Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Organic Production

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Performance bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Beautiful Pretoria farm location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Farm Operations Manager for a large organic farm near Pretoria, Gauteng. You will oversee planting, irrigation, pest management, harvesting, and compliance with organic standards while leading a diverse team on a day-to-day basis.

The role requires a degree in agriculture and at least 6 years in farm management, including 3 years in organic operations. You will manage budgets, equipment, soil health, and collaborate with sales for timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.
• At least 6 years of progressive farm management experience, with 3+ years in organic farming.
• Experience managing large-scale crop production and teams.
• Strong knowledge of organic farming, soil management, and IPM.
• Proficient in farm management software and office applications.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily farm operations including planting, cultivation, pest & disease management, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual crop plans and production schedules to maximize yield and quality.
• Ensure adherence to organic certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and motivate a diverse farm labor force, ensuring safety and productivity.
• Oversee maintenance of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor soil health and implement sustainable practices to improve fertility.
• Manage inventory of seeds, fertilizers, organic pesticides, and other supplies.
• Control operating costs and work toward profitability targets.
• Collaborate with sales and logistics teams for timely delivery of produce.
• Implement farm safety protocols for all personnel on the Pretoria farm.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Project planning

IPM knowledge

Organic farming

Team management

Problem solving

Farm software

Soil health

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent and expanding agricultural enterprise focused on producing high-quality organic produce. We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Farm Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our large-scale organic farm operations near **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This critical role involves managing daily farm activities, optimizing crop production cycles, ensuring compliance with organic certification standards, and leading a dedicated farm team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of organic farming principles, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex operations efficiently. This position in **Pretoria** offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture and deliver exceptional produce to market, managing a significant agricultural footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily farm operations, including planting, cultivation, pest and disease management, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual crop plans and production schedules to maximize yield and quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to all organic certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and motivate a diverse farm labor force, ensuring high productivity and safety standards.
• Oversee the maintenance and effective utilization of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor soil health and implement sustainable practices to maintain and improve soil fertility.
• Manage inventory of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides (organic-approved), and other farm supplies.
• Control operational costs and work towards achieving farm profitability targets.
• Collaborate with sales and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of produce.
• Implement and enforce farm safety protocols for all personnel working on the **Pretoria** farm.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in farm management, with at least 3 years specifically in organic farming operations.
• Proven experience managing large-scale crop production, preferably vegetables or fruits.
• Strong knowledge of organic farming principles, soil management, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, budgets, and operational resources effectively.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Knowledge of local agricultural conditions and regulations in **Gauteng**.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks when necessary.
• Commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices in **Pretoria**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance bonuses and comprehensive medical aid.
• Employees benefit from a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth within a leading organic farming enterprise.
• This role is based on a beautiful, productive farm near **Pretoria**, offering a direct connection to the land and the satisfaction of producing healthy food.