Operations Manager - Precision Farming and Agtech

Mayfly Agri; Lichtenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri is seeking a seasoned leader to steer its AgTech strategy in alignment with business objectives. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across Agricultural Intelligence, Precision Farming, GIS, and data-driven advisory services.

Oversee agronomy, soil science, and drone-enabled solutions, while driving revenue growth and profitability across the portfolio. The role requires senior management experience, strong communication, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Qualified with a recognised agricultural qualification at NQF Level 8 in Agronomy or related field.
• Masters or higher qualification in agriculture or business would be advantageous.
• Professional SACNASP registration where applicable.
• Experience in digital agriculture, GIS, data analytics or technology commercialisation preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in agriculture or AgTech sectors.
• At least 5 years’ senior management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the AgTech strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Agricultural Intelligence, Precision Farming and GIS.
• Oversee agronomy, soil science, animal production, irrigation and data-driven advisory services.
• Lead Drone and Precision Technology business strategy and performance.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, budgeting and cost management.
• Deliver governance, risk, safety, and regulatory compliance across portfolio.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive decision-making

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving under pressure

Budgeting & cost management

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in agriculture or related discipline

MBA or postgraduate in Business/Strategic Management

NQF Level 8 in Agronomy/related discipline

Project management qualification

Tools

GIS

Data analytics

Drone technology

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a recognised agricultural qualification at NQF Level 8 in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Precision Agriculture or a related discipline
• A master’s degree in agriculture or a related discipline, MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business, Commercial or Strategic Management, or a Project Management qualification would be advantageous
• Professional registration with SACNASP where applicable
• Training in digital agriculture, GIS, data analytics, innovation management or technology commercialisation is preferred
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in agriculture, agricultural services, AgTech or a related sector
• Must have at least 5 years’ senior management experience
• Experience developing or commercialising agricultural products, technologies or advisory services would be beneficial
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary agricultural, professional, commercial and technical teams
• Experience working with commercial producers and managing strategic customer relationships would be preferred
• Demonstrated responsibility for revenue growth, profitability, budgeting, cost management and business development
• Experience implementing strategy, leading organisational change and improving operational performance would be desirable
• Exposure to precision agriculture, GIS, remote sensing, agricultural drones or digital agriculture would be an added advantage
• Strategic and systems thinking, with executive-level leadership and decision-making
• Analytical thinking and complex problem-solving, with sound judgement under pressure
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Ethical leadership and professional integrity
• Must have a valid driver’s licence

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing the AgTech strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Providing strategic and operational leadership across Agricultural Intelligence and Specialist Services, Precision Farming, GIS and spatial intelligence.
• Overseeing agronomy, soil science, animal production, irrigation and data-driven advisory services.
• Providing strategic oversight of the Drone and Precision Technology Business.
• Taking accountability for revenue growth, profitability, budgeting and cost management across the portfolio.
• Ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and commercial performance of AgTech and Agricultural Services.
• Developing commercially viable agricultural products, services and customer solutions.
• Leading research, innovation, technology evaluation and the commercialisation of new opportunities.
• Building and maintaining strategic relationships with producers, technology suppliers, research institutions and industry partners.
• Leading, developing and performance-managing multidisciplinary management, professional, commercial and technical teams.
• Overseeing the development of farmer, young farmer and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
• Integrating agricultural science, precision technology and spatial intelligence into practical, value-adding solutions for commercial producers.
• Driving organisational change and operational improvement within the portfolio.
• Ensuring effective governance, risk management, safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Reporting to the Group Chief Executive Officer on strategy, financial performance, risks and growth opportunities.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.