Lead Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Company vehicle

Housing options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Farm Operations Manager to oversee all agricultural operations at a large Gauteng farm in Tembisa. The role blends hands-on leadership with strategic planning to drive productivity and profitability.

You will manage a diverse team, develop annual plans and budgets, ensure safety, environmental and food-safety compliance, and optimize resource use. Strong financial acumen and modern farming techniques are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive farm management experience, including 5+ years in leadership of large-scale operations.
• Expertise in crop production, soil science, pest and disease management, and irrigation techniques.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading diverse teams and fostering a positive work environment.
• Knowledge of agricultural machinery, technology, and equipment maintenance.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to reside in or relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area (non-remote).

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farming operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest activities.
• Develop and implement annual operating plans and budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Lead, train, and mentor farm supervisors and workers, fostering a culture of high performance and safety.
• Oversee the procurement and management of agricultural inputs, machinery, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and food safety protocols.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and water management, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, service providers, and agricultural consultants.
• Implement and maintain effective record-keeping systems for all operational activities.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, yield, and crop quality.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the farm's long‑term growth and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Data analysis

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Farm management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Lead Farm Operations Manager to oversee and direct all agricultural operations at their expansive farm in Tembisa, Gauteng . This senior leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing large-scale farming activities, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the efficient production of high-quality crops. You will be responsible for developing and executing operational plans, managing a diverse team of farm staff, and ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, excellent financial acumen, and a deep understanding of modern agricultural techniques. This is a critical role that will significantly influence the productivity and profitability of our client's agricultural endeavors. You will play a key role in driving innovation and implementing sustainable practices across all aspects of farm management. The position demands a hands‑on approach coupled with strategic planning capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day farming operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest activities.
• Develop and implement annual operating plans and budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Lead, train, and mentor farm supervisors and workers, fostering a culture of high performance and safety.
• Oversee the procurement and management of agricultural inputs, machinery, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and food safety protocols.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and water management, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, service providers, and agricultural consultants.
• Implement and maintain effective record-keeping systems for all operational activities.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, yield, and crop quality.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the farm's long‑term growth and sustainability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in farm management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale agricultural operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in crop production, soil science, pest and disease management, and irrigation techniques.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Proven experience in managing diverse teams and fostering a positive work environment.
• Excellent knowledge of agricultural machinery, technology, and equipment maintenance.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Must reside within or be willing to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area, as this is a non-remote position.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional development.
• This role provides the chance to manage a substantial operation and make a lasting impact on agricultural practices.
• We also offer a company vehicle, subsidized housing options, and a supportive management structure.
• Employees are encouraged to attend industry conferences and training programs to stay abreast of the latest advancements.