Senior Farm Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Farm Operations Manager to lead and optimize day-to-day agricultural activities in the Durban region. The role demands on-site presence for hands-on supervision, with a hybrid setup for administrative planning and remote oversight of strategy.

You will manage a diverse team of farmhands and supervisors, implement modern farming techniques, and drive operational excellence across cropping, irrigation, and sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive farm management or agricultural operations experience.
• Proven track record managing large-scale farming operations with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of crop science, soil management, pest control, and modern farming tech.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all farm operations including production, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting schedules.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost yield and quality.
• Supervise and train farm staff, ensuring safety and best practices are followed.
• Manage equipment, infrastructure, and resources for optimal performance and uptime.
• Ensure sustainable farming practices and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with procurement and sales to ensure timely input supply and distribution of produce.

Skills

Leadership

Farm management

Strategic planning

Crop science

Soil management

Pest control

Data tracking

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee and optimize agricultural operations. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of our client's farming activities. While the role requires on-site presence for hands-on management and supervision, a hybrid work arrangement will allow for remote management of administrative tasks and strategic planning. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, leading a diverse team of farmhands and supervisors, and implementing innovative farming techniques. This is a key leadership position for an individual passionate about modern agriculture and committed to achieving operational excellence in the Durban region.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting schedules.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase crop yields and quality.
• Supervise, train, and mentor farm staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best management practices.
• Manage farm equipment, infrastructure, and resources, ensuring optimal maintenance and utilization.
• Oversee the implementation of sustainable farming practices and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to ensure timely supply of inputs and efficient distribution of produce.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in farm management or agricultural operations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale farming operations and diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management, pest control, and modern farming technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with agricultural technology and software for farm management and data tracking.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning in agricultural advancements.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility for strategic planning and administrative duties.