Farm Operations Supervisor - Large Scale Dairy

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Overtime/Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training & development

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Farm Operations Supervisor for a large dairy farm near Mahikeng, North West. You will oversee milking parlors, herd health, and general farm operations to ensure high milk production and cow welfare.

Lead a team of farm workers, implement SOPs, monitor equipment, and maintain biosecurity. A hands-on manager with dairy experience will thrive in this role, contributing to productivity and efficiency on site.

Qualifications

• Proven dairy farm supervision experience.
• Knowledge of milking procedures and herd management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Familiar with biosecurity protocols and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily milking and parlor operations.
• Monitor herd health and intervene in treatments as needed.
• Oversee cow feeding and nutrition adherence.
• Train and manage milking staff and SOP compliance.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in milking areas.
• Track milk quality and troubleshoot issues.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and biosecurity enforcement.

Skills

Dairy farm supervision

Milking procedures

Herd health management

Staff leadership

Biosecurity knowledge

Education

Farm management certificate/diploma

Tools

Milking equipment maintenance

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the South African dairy industry, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Operations Supervisor for their expansive dairy farm located near Mahikeng, North West. This role is crucial for the day-to-day management and smooth operation of the milking parlors, herd health management, and general farm maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in dairy farming, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to animal welfare and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for supervising a team of farm workers, ensuring milking procedures are followed precisely, monitoring herd health, and maintaining equipment. This is a hands-on management position requiring practical knowledge and the ability to solve problems effectively. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about dairy production and dedicated to upholding the high standards of our client's operation. Your role will be vital in ensuring optimal milk production, cow comfort, and overall farm productivity in Mahikeng, North West. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to advance their career within a leading agricultural enterprise. The position requires a proactive approach to managing staff and resources, ensuring the farm runs efficiently and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities in the milking parlor, ensuring efficient and hygienic milking processes.
• Monitor herd health, identify sick or injured animals, and assist in implementing treatment protocols.
• Oversee the feeding and management of dairy cows, ensuring nutritional requirements are met.
• Manage and train milking staff, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the milking shed, holding pens, and surrounding areas.
• Monitor milk quality parameters and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Assist with herd inventory management, record-keeping, and data entry.
• Ensure farm equipment in the milking area is well-maintained and in good working order.
• Implement and enforce biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission.
• Contribute to the overall management and operational efficiency of the dairy farm in Mahikeng, North West.

Requirements

• Proven experience in dairy farm operations, with a strong understanding of milking procedures and herd management.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role within the dairy industry.
• Knowledge of dairy cow nutrition, reproduction, and common health issues.
• Familiarity with milking equipment operation and maintenance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage staff.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of animal welfare principles and biosecurity protocols.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
• Familiarity with the agricultural environment in Mahikeng, North West region is beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, with opportunities for overtime pay and potential bonuses based on farm performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• This role offers valuable on-the-job training and opportunities for professional development within the dairy sector.
• Employees benefit from working on a modern, well-equipped dairy farm with access to the latest technologies in herd management.
• We provide a stable and supportive work environment, with clear career progression paths for dedicated individuals within the agricultural industry.
• The position offers the chance to be part of a vital agricultural operation contributing to South Africa's food supply.