Senior Farm Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on-site

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Farm Manager to oversee all operations at a large agricultural facility in Pietermaritzburg. The role requires directing daily farming activities, guiding farm workers, and driving sustainable production of crops and livestock.

The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of modern farming practices, strong leadership, and a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in farm management or related field.
• Expertise in crop science, soil conservation and integrated pest management.
• Experience leading large teams and managing operational budgets.
• Strong knowledge of relevant agricultural machinery and technology.
• Degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic farming plans to maximize yield and crop quality.
• Lead a team of farmhands, agronomists and staff with training and evaluations.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Manage budgets, control costs and keep production records.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards.
• Monitor market trends and opportunities for farming technique diversification.

Skills

Farm management

Leadership

Budget management

Agronomy

Pest management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Agriculture/Agronomy

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Farm Manager to oversee all operations at their expansive agricultural facility in Pietermaritzburg . This pivotal role involves managing daily farming activities, leading a diverse team of farm workers, and ensuring the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality crops and livestock. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship. This is a hands‑on position requiring significant dedication and strategic thinking to drive productivity and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic farming plans to maximize yield and ensure crop quality, overseeing crop rotation , soil management, and pest control.
• Manage and supervise a team of farmhands, agronomists, and other agricultural staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of all farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Manage budgets, control operational costs, and maintain accurate records of production, expenses, and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental protection policies.
• Monitor market trends and explore opportunities for diversification and improvement of farming techniques.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in farm management or a related agricultural field.
• Proven expertise in crop science , soil conservation, and integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large teams and operational budgets within the agricultural sector.
• Strong knowledge of relevant agricultural machinery and technology.
• Relevant degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Accommodation and utilities provided on-site.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in agricultural innovation .
• A challenging yet rewarding role within a well-established farming operation in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal region.