Farm Operations Manager - Livestock & Crop Integration

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Accommodation options

Career advancement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a highly skilled Farm Operations Manager to oversee daily activities across livestock and crop divisions, with hybrid on-site and remote oversight for admin tasks.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Agriculture, 5+ years in farm management, leadership and budgeting experience. You will drive efficiency, sustainability, and profitability through modern farming practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of farm management experience across crop and livestock.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with farm management software and office apps.
• Hybrid work model with on-site and remote tasks.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily activities across livestock and crop divisions.
• Develop strategic plans to boost productivity and profitability.
• Manage staff hiring, training, evaluations, and scheduling.
• Oversee procurement of inputs and equipment.
• Monitor crop health and animal welfare; implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• Oversee budgets, costs, and resource allocation.
• Use farm management software to generate KPI reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Farm management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a large-scale agricultural enterprise based in Durban , seeking a highly skilled and experienced Farm Operations Manager. This role is crucial for overseeing the daily operations of our diverse farming units, with a particular focus on integrating livestock and crop production for maximum efficiency and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern farming techniques, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in managing complex agricultural operations. This position offers a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site management with the flexibility of remote oversight for administrative tasks. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and ensuring the profitability and environmental stewardship of our extensive agricultural lands.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate all daily activities across livestock and crop farming divisions.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
• Manage farm staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and scheduling.
• Oversee the procurement of livestock, feed, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and livestock well-being, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Manage farm budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Implement and supervise integrated pest management and sustainable farming practices.
• Liaise with suppliers, distributors, and other external stakeholders.
• Utilize farm management software to track key performance indicators and generate operational reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in farm management, with substantial experience in both crop and livestock operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in livestock management, including feeding, breeding, health, and welfare.
• Strong knowledge of crop cultivation, soil management, irrigation, and pest control techniques.
• Experience with farm budgeting, financial management, and performance analysis.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site supervision with remote administrative duties.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel across various farm sites.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of Rands .
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund.
• Accommodation options may be available.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing agricultural group.
• A stimulating work environment with exposure to diverse agricultural practices.
• Allowance for professional development and training courses.