Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Horticulture

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses based on performance

Medical aid and retirement savings

Leadership development opportunities

Advanced training in farm management

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee extensive horticultural activities in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role blends on-site supervision with administrative duties in a hybrid setup, driving efficiency and quality across planting, cultivation, and harvest.

You will lead a large workforce, optimize production plans, and manage equipment, procurement, and safety compliance while focusing on profitability and sustainable farming practices within a dynamic African

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in farm management/operations, with substantial horticulture exposure.
• Proven experience leading large teams and complex agricultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural crops, cultivation techniques, pest/disease management.
• Expertise in farm machinery, irrigation systems, and operational logistics.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a hybrid environment with on-site supervision and admin tasks.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farm operations, including crop cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Manage a large workforce, ensuring training, performance management, and safety adherence.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of supplies, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring timely procurement.
• Implement and monitor best practices in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
• Liaise with suppliers, distributors, and buyers to ensure smooth logistics and market access.
• Develop and manage the farm’s operational budget, controlling costs and maximizing profitability.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, food safety standards, and labor laws.
• Analyze farm performance data and implement improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Farm operations

Supply chain management

Budgeting

Communication

Farm management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Irrigation systems

Pest management techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African agricultural sector, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee extensive horticultural operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of large-scale farming, supply chain management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be instrumental in optimizing farm efficiency, ensuring high-quality produce, and managing all aspects of daily farm activities, from planting to harvesting and distribution. This is a key position for individuals passionate about driving operational excellence in the agricultural industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farm operations, including crop cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Manage a large workforce, ensuring effective training, performance management, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of supplies, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring timely procurement.
• Implement and monitor best practices in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
• Liaise with suppliers, distributors, and buyers to ensure smooth logistics and market access.
• Develop and manage the farm's operational budget, controlling costs and maximizing profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, food safety standards, and labor laws.
• Analyze farm performance data and implement improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Business Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in farm management or operations, with a significant portion in horticulture.
• Proven experience managing large teams and complex agricultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural crops, cultivation techniques, and pest/disease management.
• Expertise in farm machinery, irrigation systems, and operational logistics.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site supervision with administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Gauteng region as needed.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive remuneration package, including performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan are part of the employee benefits.
• Opportunities for leadership development and advanced training in farm management are readily available.

The position is based in the accessible area of Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work environment within a growing agricultural company.