Operations Manager, Agricultural Sector

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee farming and production operations in Paarl. This hybrid role combines on-site leadership with remote planning to optimise yields, quality and profitability in a leading agricultural enterprise.

You will manage day-to-day activities, drive safety and environmental compliance, coordinate with farm managers, agronomists and suppliers, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and enhance operational excellence in the

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in agricultural operations management.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Business Management, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of farming techniques, crop cycles and best practices.
• Proven experience in leading teams and coordinating operations.
• Hybrid work experience balancing on-site and remote planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily agricultural operations including crops, harvesting and processing.
• Develop and implement plans to maximise yield and product quality.
• Lead a team of farm workers and supervisors; ensure safety and productivity.
• Optimize resource allocation (labour, equipment, supplies).
• Enforce quality control and safety protocols.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and distributors.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and environmental standards.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Contribute to strategic planning for agricultural operations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (Agriculture/related)

Tools

Agricultural technology

Supply chain software

Job description

Our client, a leading agricultural enterprise, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to oversee and optimize its farming and production operations. This hybrid role, based in the picturesque region of Paarl , requires a leader with a strong understanding of agricultural practices, supply chain management, and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, ensuring high productivity, quality control, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. The ideal candidate possesses excellent leadership skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for the agricultural industry. You will work closely with farm managers, agronomists, and other stakeholders to achieve operational excellence and drive profitability. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital industry and lead a dedicated team in a beautiful setting. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, balancing essential on-site management with remote coordination and planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily agricultural operations, including crop management, harvesting, and processing.
• Develop and implement operational plans to maximize yield and ensure product quality.
• Manage and lead a team of farm workers and supervisors, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, equipment, and supplies.
• Implement and enforce stringent quality control and safety protocols.
• Monitor operational performance against key metrics and KPIs, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, distributors, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and labor laws.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the agricultural operations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in agricultural operations management or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of farming techniques, crop cycles, and agricultural best practices.
• Proven experience in managing teams and leading operational activities.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with agricultural technology and equipment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and logistics within the agricultural sector.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site responsibilities with remote planning.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Business Management, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the Paarl region's agricultural landscape is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions. Employees benefit from a flexible hybrid work arrangement, providing a balance between field operations and office-based planning. Opportunities for professional development and growth within a respected agricultural organization are available. Experience the satisfaction of contributing to sustainable food production and working within a team dedicated to excellence in the scenic Paarl valley. We are committed to fostering a positive and productive work environment.