Farm Operations Manager - Mechanization Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Provident fund

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee Rustenburg-area farming activities, focusing on mechanization, machinery maintenance, and efficient resource use. You will lead day-to-day operations, manage a diverse equipment fleet, and drive safety and productivity.

You will develop budgets, supervise staff, and apply data-informed decisions to optimize crop performance and costs. A hybrid work model balances on-site oversight with some remote administration.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management with a focus on agricultural mechanization.
• Proven ability to manage and maintain a diverse fleet of tractors, harvesters and other equipment.
• Solid understanding of crop production cycles and regional best practices around Rustenburg.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of farm operations including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and irrigation schedules.
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and efficient use of all farm machinery and equipment.
• Develop and manage the farm budget to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise and train farm staff, ensuring safety and adherence to procedures.
• Implement modern mechanization strategies to improve productivity and reduce labor costs.
• Monitor crop progress and use data to address emerging challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanization

Operations management

Fleet maintenance

Data-driven decisions

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture/Farm Management

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a pragmatic and experienced Farm Operations Manager with a specialization in agricultural mechanization to oversee operations in the Rustenburg area. This hands-on role demands a deep understanding of farm machinery, maintenance, and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the farm, ensuring optimal use of resources, and maintaining a fleet of agricultural equipment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to safe, efficient, and productive farming practices, contributing to the overall success of the agricultural enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of farm operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and irrigation schedules.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and efficient utilization of all farm machinery and equipment.
• Develop and manage the farm budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness in all operational expenditures.
• Supervise and train farm staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.
• Implement modern mechanization strategies to improve productivity and reduce labor costs.
• Monitor crop progress and make data-informed decisions to address any emerging challenges.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management, with a strong focus on agricultural mechanization .
• Proven ability to manage and maintain a diverse fleet of tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment.
• Solid understanding of crop production cycles and best practices for the region around Rustenburg .
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with farm management software and record-keeping.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Access to modern farm equipment and technology.
• Health insurance benefits and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development in farm management and mechanization.
• Hybrid work model allowing for both on-site operational oversight and some remote administrative tasks.