Operations Manager - Agricultural Production

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Stable employment

Access to modern farming technologies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Manager for our farming operations in the Paarl region. This on-site role oversees day-to-day production, aiming for efficiency, quality and profitability in a prominent viticultural area.

The ideal candidate has a background in agronomy, farm management, and team leadership, with a hands-on approach to planting, cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest handling. Sustainable practices and operational excellence are essential.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
• 5–7 years of farm management or agricultural operations experience, Western Cape preferred.
• Experience managing vineyards and diverse crops.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, pest/disease management, and soil science.
• Experience supervising farm labour teams.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and water management.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily agricultural operations: crop planning, planting, irrigation, pest and disease control, harvesting.
• Lead a team of farm workers, supervisors and seasonal staff ensuring productivity and schedules.
• Implement best practices in crop management to optimise yield and quality.
• Manage farm equipment, machinery and infrastructure for maintenance and efficiency.
• Oversee irrigation systems and water resource management.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental regulations compliance on the farm.
• Manage budgets for labour, supplies and equipment.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, inputs and activities.
• Collaborate with agronomists and external experts on crop development and pest management.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future crop cycles and farm development.

Education

Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Horticulture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural sector, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager for their farming operations in the Paarl region. This on-site role is crucial for overseeing the day-to-day management of extensive agricultural production, ensuring efficiency, quality, and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agronomy, farm management, and team leadership within an agricultural setting. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the production cycle, from planting and cultivation to harvesting and post-harvest handling. This position requires a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of agricultural best practices. We are looking for a leader committed to sustainable farming practices and operational excellence, contributing to the success of our client's agricultural endeavours in this prominent viticultural area. Your role will be vital in maximising yields and maintaining the high standards our client is known for.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily agricultural operations, including crop planning, planting, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Manage and lead a team of farm workers, supervisors, and seasonal staff, ensuring productivity and adherence to schedules.
• Implement and enforce best practices in crop management and agricultural techniques to optimise yield and quality.
• Manage farm equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, ensuring proper maintenance and efficient utilisation.
• Oversee irrigation systems and water resource management.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations on the farm.
• Manage budgets for operational expenses, including labour, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, inputs, and operational activities.
• Collaborate with agronomists and external experts on crop development and pest management strategies.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future crop cycles and farm development.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in farm management or agricultural operations, preferably in the Western Cape region.
• Proven experience in managing diverse agricultural crops, ideally including vineyards.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, pest and disease management, and soil science.
• Experience in managing and supervising teams of farm labourers.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and water management.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Performance-based bonuses tied to yield and quality targets.
• Accommodation may be provided on-site.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development in agricultural sciences.
• Stable employment with a respected agricultural enterprise.
• Access to modern farming technologies and equipment.
• A supportive environment focused on agricultural excellence.