Senior Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance-based bonus

Company vehicle

Annual leave

Development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading agricultural enterprise in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to recruit a Senior Agricultural Operations Manager. The role requires strategic oversight of large-scale farming activities, including crop and livestock operations, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

The successful candidate will lead diverse teams, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and drive adoption of advanced agricultural practices in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry or related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in agricultural operations management.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic operational plans to maximize crop yield and livestock productivity.
• Oversee planting, irrigation, pest control, harvesting, and livestock management.
• Lead farm workers, agronomists, and supervisors with a focus on safety and performance.
• Monitor budgets and optimize resources for cost-effectiveness.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations across operations.
• Oversee procurement of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, feed, and equipment.
• Analyze data and report performance and opportunities to senior management.
• Stay abreast of new agricultural technologies and recommend adoption when beneficial.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural and forestry standards and regulations.
• Coordinate with supply chain partners for efficient product distribution.

Skills

Leadership

Data analytics

Budget management

Health & safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Forestry

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

Agricultural software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural enterprise based in the vibrant region of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Agricultural Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their extensive farming operations. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, resource management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability across all aspects of our client's farming activities, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry best practices. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the agriculture and forestry sector within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to maximize crop yield and livestock productivity.
• Oversee daily farming activities, including planting, irrigation, pest control, harvesting, and livestock management.
• Manage and lead a diverse team of farm workers, agronomists, and supervisors, fostering a culture of safety and high performance.
• Monitor and control operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and environmental regulations across all operations.
• Manage procurement of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, feed, and equipment.
• Analyze operational data and provide regular reports on performance, challenges, and opportunities to senior management.
• Stay abreast of new agricultural technologies and techniques, recommending adoption where beneficial.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural and forestry industry standards and regulations.
• Coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure efficient product distribution.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agricultural operations management, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale farming operations, including row crops and/or livestock.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• In-depth knowledge of crop science, soil management, pest and disease control, and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficiency in agricultural software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance in an agricultural setting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel within the Pietermaritzburg region and occasional fieldwork.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance. Employees benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, opportunities for professional development and training, and access to the latest agricultural technologies. A company vehicle and mobile phone are provided for business use. Furthermore, employees will have the chance to contribute to innovative sustainable farming projects and work within a supportive and collaborative team environment in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal .