Farm Operations Manager - Large-Scale Livestock & Grain

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Modern farming equipment

Stable employment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Farm Operations Manager in Bloemfontein to oversee large-scale livestock and grain operations. You will direct day-to-day farming activities, supervise staff, manage budgets, and implement efficient production plans to maximize profitability.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or Animal Science with at least seven years of farm management experience, and a proven ability to lead teams, optimize crop cycles, and ensure compliance with safety

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in farm management with crops and livestock.
• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or related field.
• Experience managing large-scale operations and teams.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, pest/disease management, and yield optimization.
• Solid understanding of livestock management including nutrition, breeding and health.
• Experience with farm machinery operation/maintenance.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Willingness to work long hours, weekends and holidays; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily farm operations across crop cultivation and livestock management.
• Develop and implement annual crop production plans (planting, fertilization, pest control, harvesting schedules).
• Manage livestock operations: health, nutrition, breeding and welfare.
• Supervise, train and manage farm staff; ensure safety protocols.
• Maintain and operate farm machinery, equipment and infrastructure.
• Develop and manage the farm's operating budget; control costs and profitability.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and implement improvement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental standards and biosecurity.
• Manage inventory of inputs and finished products.
• Promote best practices in soil health and water management.

Education

Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural enterprise, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Farm Operations Manager to oversee their extensive operations in Bloemfontein, Free State. This crucial role involves managing both large-scale livestock and grain production, ensuring optimal efficiency, productivity, and profitability. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm, including staff supervision, resource allocation, crop planning, livestock health and husbandry, and budget management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of modern farming techniques, livestock management, crop rotation, soil conservation, and farm machinery. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned farm manager to lead a significant operation in a key agricultural region. The Bloemfontein area provides a strategic location for managing diverse agricultural activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily farm operations, including crop cultivation and livestock management.
• Develop and implement annual crop production plans, including planting, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting schedules.
• Manage livestock operations, ensuring optimal health, nutrition, breeding, and welfare.
• Supervise, train, and manage farm staff, ensuring efficient work allocation and adherence to safety protocols.
• Manage the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Develop and manage the farm's operational budget, controlling costs and maximizing profitability.
• Monitor crop and livestock performance, analyze data, and implement strategies for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and biosecurity protocols.
• Manage inventory of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, feed, medication) and finished products.
• Implement and promote best practices in soil health and water management.

Requirements

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in farm management, with a strong background in both crop and livestock operations.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale agricultural operations and teams.
• In-depth knowledge of crop production cycles, pest and disease management, and yield optimization techniques.
• Solid understanding of livestock management principles, including animal nutrition, breeding, and health.
• Experience with farm machinery operation and maintenance.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work long hours, including weekends and holidays, as dictated by farming seasons.
• Valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• On-site housing or housing allowance provided.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Stable and secure employment with a reputable agricultural company.
• Access to modern farming equipment and technologies.