Senior Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee agricultural operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This hybrid role balances on-site leadership with strategic remote planning to optimize production, resources, labor, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

You will lead crop planning, irrigation, pest control, budgeting, procurement, and data analytics, collaborating with researchers and agronomists to implement innovative farming techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• 7+ years in farm management with at least 3 years in supervision.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, irrigation, and pest control.
• Leadership and budgeting skills; regional travel with valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement farm management plans to maximize yield and efficiency.
• Supervise farm staff, provide training, and perform evaluations.
• Oversee cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Manage procurement of inputs, equipment, and supplies.
• Monitor budgets and implement cost-saving measures.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Utilize farm management software and data analytics to track performance.

Skills

Leadership

Budgets

Farm management

Data analytics

Safety regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Farm management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee and optimize agricultural operations in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This is a hybrid role, requiring a balance of on-site presence for hands‑on management and remote work for strategic planning and administrative tasks. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of farm production, including crop planning, resource allocation, labor management, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and sustainability standards. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in large‑scale agricultural management, a deep understanding of modern farming techniques, and a commitment to operational excellence. This role is critical to maintaining and enhancing the productivity and profitability of our client's extensive agricultural land holdings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive farm management plans to maximize yield and efficiency across all operational areas.
• Supervise and manage farm staff, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations to ensure high productivity and safety standards.
• Oversee the cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control programs for a variety of crops suited to the Mpumalanga climate.
• Manage the procurement of agricultural inputs, equipment, and supplies, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and quality.
• Monitor operational budgets, track expenses, and implement cost‑saving measures where possible.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as relevant agricultural policies.
• Utilize farm management software and data analysis to track performance metrics, identify trends, and inform decision‑making.
• Collaborate with researchers and agronomists to implement innovative farming techniques and technologies.
• Manage the logistics of harvesting, storage, and transportation of produce.
• Conduct regular site visits and remote check‑ins to ensure all operations are running smoothly.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in farm management or agricultural operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, soil management, irrigation systems, and pest control relevant to the South African agricultural landscape.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct a diverse workforce.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and data analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations in the agricultural sector.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both on‑site and remotely, with strong organizational skills.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation.
• The chance to make a significant impact on agricultural practices in Mpumalanga.