Senior Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Company vehicle

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Farm Operations Manager in George, Western Cape to oversee daily farming facilities, drive efficiency and profitability across cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest and distribution.

The role blends on-site management with strategic remote planning, leading diverse teams of farm workers, agronomists, and supervisors to implement operational strategies, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• A degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or related field preferred.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management and irrigation systems.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all farm operations including crop planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize yield while minimizing costs.
• Lead diverse teams of workers, supervisors, and agronomists, fostering safety and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and agricultural regulations.
• Manage budgets, expenses, and report financial performance of operations.
• Oversee maintenance of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and government agencies.
• Implement sustainable agriculture practices and resource management.
• Contribute to strategic planning for crop rotations, land use, and capital investments.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

IPM

Irrigation

Team Management

Strategic Planning

Operational Excellence

Education

Degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Agricultural Science

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent agricultural enterprise in the George region, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality produce. We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of our extensive farming facilities. This crucial role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing large-scale agricultural production, optimizing resource allocation, and leading diverse teams. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and profitable execution of all farming activities, from cultivation and harvesting to post-harvest handling and distribution. This position requires a blend of practical farming knowledge, strong leadership capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to agricultural management. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence and contributing to the company's continued success and expansion. The role involves a combination of on-site management and remote strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, pest and disease management, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize yield, improve quality, and minimize costs.
• Manage and lead a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and agronomists, fostering a culture of safety, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and agricultural regulations.
• Manage budgets, control expenses, and report on financial performance of the operations.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and relevant government agencies.
• Implement and monitor best practices in sustainable agriculture and resource management.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future crop rotations, land use, and capital investments.

Requirements

• A degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in farm management, with a strong understanding of large-scale crop production.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• In-depth knowledge of crop science, soil management, integrated pest management (IPM), and irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in farm management software and general business management principles.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Knowledge of local agricultural conditions and regulations in the Western Cape is advantageous.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and a company vehicle.
• We provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within our growing organization.
• You will have the chance to work with state-of-the- art agricultural technology and contribute to innovative farming practices.
• Our client values its employees and fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• This Hybrid role allows for flexibility in managing responsibilities, balancing operational needs with strategic oversight.