Operations Manager (Environmental & Field Projects)

Agrijob; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 680,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Agrijob in South Africa seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee field operations, nursery activities, resource planning, logistics, and workforce management across multiple sites. You will coordinate operational activities, lead supervisory teams, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget.

The role demands strong leadership, solid planning, and hands-on problem-solving, with travel between sites as required.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Management, Operations Management, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an operational management role.
• Proven experience managing teams in field-based, production, agricultural, environmental, construction, or project environment.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and operational performance targets.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and reporting systems.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational plans to meet production and project objectives.
• Coordinate daily activities across multiple sites to ensure efficient use of personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor progress against targets and take corrective action where required.
• Manage operational budgets and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and performance.
• Lead, mentor, and support supervisors and operational teams.
• Promote accountability, clear communication, and effective teamwork.
• Assist with employee development, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Foster a positive workplace culture focused on safety and continuous improvement.
• Oversee nursery, field, and site-based operational activities.
• Monitor quality standards throughout production and implementation processes.
• Ensure resources and materials are available to support project requirements.
• Maintain operational readiness of equipment, vehicles, and site infrastructure.
• Ensure all activities comply with health, safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Conduct inspections and audits to identify risks and areas for improvement.
• Investigate operational issues and implement preventative measures.
• Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
• Compile and analyse operational data and performance reports.
• Track labour utilisation, productivity, quality metrics, and costs.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to senior management.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Operations planning

Budgeting & cost control

Team management

Safety & compliance

Education

Relevant qualification in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting systems

Job description

An established organisation operating within the environmental and land management sector is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee field operations, nursery activities, resource planning, logistics, and workforce management across multiple sites.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating operational activities, leading supervisory teams, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Planning & Delivery

• Develop and implement operational plans to meet production and project objectives.
• Coordinate daily activities across multiple sites to ensure efficient use of personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor progress against targets and take corrective action where required.
• Manage operational budgets and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and performance.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and support supervisors and operational teams.
• Promote accountability, clear communication, and effective teamwork.
• Assist with employee development, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Foster a positive workplace culture focused on safety and continuous improvement.

Production & Site Management

• Oversee nursery, field, and site-based operational activities.
• Monitor quality standards throughout production and implementation processes.
• Ensure resources and materials are available to support project requirements.
• Maintain operational readiness of equipment, vehicles, and site infrastructure.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant health, safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits to identify risks and areas for improvement.
• Investigate operational issues and implement preventative measures where necessary.
• Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.

Reporting & Administration

• Compile and analyse operational data and performance reports.
• Track labour utilisation, productivity, quality metrics, and operational costs.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to senior management.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Management, Operations Management, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an operational management role.
• Proven experience managing teams in a field-based, production, agricultural, environmental, construction, or project environment.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and operational performance targets.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and reporting systems.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel between operational sites when required.

Advantageous Experience

Experience in one or more of the following sectors would be beneficial:

• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Horticulture
• Land rehabilitation
• Environmental management
• Conservation projects
• Infrastructure development
• Renewable energy projects
• Nursery management
• Large-scale field operations

Knowledge of GIS systems, quality management processes, occupational health and safety practices, and environmental compliance requirements will be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Results-driven with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Application

Suitable candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive CV detailing their qualifications, experience, and career achievements.