Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Production

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and provident fund

On-site accommodation or housing allow

Professional development opportunities

Autonomy to shape major agricultural操作

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Operations Manager for a prominent agricultural enterprise in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role focuses on directing all daily farming activities from planting to harvest, while driving efficiency and profitability on a large-scale operation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background, a deep understanding of crop production and irrigation, and a proven track record in managing budgets and safety across the farm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Farm Management, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• 8+ years of farm management experience, with 5+ years in leadership of large-scale operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, soil management, and irrigation for the region.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farm operations (crop planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting).
• Develop and implement strategies to boost productivity, cut costs, and maximise yields.
• Oversee maintenance/operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Lead farm labor, allocate tasks, manage performance, enforce safety protocols.
• Prepare and manage farm budgets and control expenditures to meet financial targets.
• Implement quality control measures across production cycles.
• Maintain records of planting, yields, inputs, and labor.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Budgeting

Problem solving

Decision making

Crop production

Soil management

Irrigation techniques

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Farm Management, Agribusiness, or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Office applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise in Tembisa, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Farm Operations Manager to oversee their extensive farming operations. This critical role involves managing all aspects of daily farm activities, from planting and cultivation to harvesting and post-harvest handling. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of large-scale agricultural production, a proven track record in team leadership, and a commitment to operational efficiency and profitability. You will be responsible for optimizing resource allocation, ensuring the implementation of best agricultural practices, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety across the farm. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and contribute to the success of a major player in the South African agricultural sector. The role is hands‑on and requires a strong presence on the farm to ensure seamless execution of all operational directives.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farm operations, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and maximize crop yields.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage and supervise farm labor, ensuring efficient task allocation, performance management, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Develop and manage farm budgets, controlling expenditures and ensuring financial targets are met.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures throughout the production cycle.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, including planting, yields, inputs, and labor.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Farm Management, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in farm management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing large-scale operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in crop production, soil management, and irrigation techniques relevant to the Tembisa, Gauteng region.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural machinery, maintenance, and repair.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse workforce.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions are included.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced training in farm management techniques are available.
• The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to shape the future of a major agricultural operation.
• Employees are provided with on-site accommodation or a housing allowance, and access to farm resources for personal use.
• A supportive work environment and the chance to make a tangible impact on the agricultural landscape are key advantages.