Farming Operations Manager

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Farming Operations Manager in Tzaneen to oversee farming operations, improve production quality, and manage costs effectively. The role requires strong leadership and financial management skills, along with a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in agriculture and a passion for optimizing farm performance.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in an operational environment, preferably in agriculture.
• Experience in managing senior managers.
• At least 5 years’ experience in Health and Safety roles.

Responsibilities

• Manage costs and drive monthly KPI reporting on farming operations.
• Develop plans for sustainable yield and quality improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Human Resources Management

People Management

Business Acumen

Education

Degree in Agricultural Sciences

Post graduate qualification

Management and Leadership Development Programme

Tools

D365 Systems

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking to hire aFarming Operations Manager based in Tzaneen.

The candidate must demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills, financial management and human resources management skills. The candidate shall have the ability to develop and implement plans aimed at ensuring sustainable and continuous yield, quality improvement and production cost management.

Operational Management :

• Short-Term Plans.
• Control costs and drive monthly KPI reporting on picking, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and chemical applications.
• Evaluate orchard performance in terms of yield, quality, and production costs.
• Coach and mentor the team effectively.
• Manage and report on the implementation of orchard improvement action trackers.
• Conduct needs analysis for replanting and development.
• Analyze water and electricity usage.
• Identify and implement value-adding initiatives.
• Conduct soil and tree health surveys using AGES or Aerobatics.

Other Operational Activities :

• Develop and implement a management and reporting system for picking and pruning.
• Monitor and control pests and diseases.
• Manage warehouse operations and stock control.
• Recommend and apply fertilizers and chemicals as needed.
• Recommend and manage irrigation scheduling and application.

Health and Safety :

• Accept and carry out 8(2) roles and responsibilities.
• Manage and implement the Health and Safety Management System (HSMS)
• Achieve group-defined objectives and goals.
• Support the achievement and maintenance of ISO 45001 certification for South African production units.

People Management :

• Instill discipline within the management team and labor force.
• Set clear and detailed individual performance agreements; manage, coach, and mentor team members.
• Ensure the application of fair and legal labor practices to maintain a peaceful working environment.
• Develop successors for critical positions.
• Foster a healthy labor relations environment through ongoing employee engagement.

Financial and Business Management :

• Participate in budget planning, resource allocation, and monthly financial forecasting
• Prepare monthly and project-related financial reports to inform management decision-making
• Drive profitability by managing people and resources effectively to meet business unit targets within budget and industry norms

Infrastructure Management and Compliance :

• Infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, including but not limited to dam safety, building registration, environmental impact assessments (EIA), water rights, roads, transport, and electricity usage.
• Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of all production-related infrastructure projects.
• Promote and support an inclusive work culture.
• Utilize and implement D365 systems effectively.
• Conduct farm costing at block level.
• Manage and maintain Health & Safety (H&S) systems.

Capital Projects :

• Conduct and compile feasibility studies for new projects and developments.
• Continuously evaluate the performance of farming practices and activities.
• Develop and implement process flows for all activities.
• Communicate water use entitlements to farm managers.
• Collaborate with the Continuous Improvement Department.
• Liaise with institutions involved in operations to integrate technology and resources into production.
• Coordinate the practical implementation of promising research findings and literature.
• Identify and advocate for future research topics for inclusion in research programs.

Requirements

• Degree in Agricultural Sciences or similar.
• Post graduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Management and Leadership Development Programme is desirable.
• At least 5-10-years’ experience in operational environment, preferably agriculture.
• Experience in managing senior managers is essential.
• At least 5-years’ experience in role or similar roles in Health and Safety.
• About 2–3-years’ experience with an ERP system or similar.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport.
• Ability to manage an export subtropical fruit business.
• Good people management skills across all levels of the business.
• Detailed knowledge of external accreditation requirements for export to the EU.
• Financial planning and control.
• Knowledge of the legal framework for farming operations in South Africa.
• Person of integrity, passion for work, excellence and success.
• Good business acumen.
• Results driven team player.
• Competent to assess situations and ability to make decisions.
• Willingness to travel.
• Ability to work under constant pressure.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a team.