Senior Farm Operations Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Farm Operations Manager to lead and optimize agricultural operations in the Sandton area, Gauteng. The role requires extensive leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on oversight of crop production, resource management, and staff performance.

You will manage budgets, drive sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance, and report outcomes to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive farm management experience with 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management, irrigation, pest control, and regional farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans for farm activities to maximize yield and profitability.
• Oversee daily farm operations including planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest/disease management, and harvesting.
• Mentor and manage a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and specialists while ensuring safety.
• Control budgets, allocate resources, and monitor costs for efficiency.
• Promote sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Monitor crop health and performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize outcomes.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee maintenance and use of farm machinery and equipment.
• Regularly report performance and progress to senior management in Sandton.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Data analysis

Team management

Decision making under pressure

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Farm Management

Tools

Farm management software

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Farm Operations Manager to lead and optimize agricultural operations in the Sandton area, Gauteng. This key leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of large-scale farming activities, including crop production, resource management, staff supervision, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural techniques, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex operations efficiently. You will be responsible for driving productivity, implementing sustainable practices, and contributing to the overall success of our client's significant agricultural ventures in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans for farm activities to maximize yield and profitability.
• Oversee daily farm operations, including planting, cultivation, pest and disease management, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and specialists, ensuring high performance and safety standards.
• Control budgets, manage resources (labor, machinery, inputs), and monitor operational costs to ensure efficiency.
• Implement and promote best practices in sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Monitor crop health and performance, making data-driven decisions to address challenges and optimize outcomes.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the maintenance and effective utilization of farm machinery and equipment.
• Regularly report on operational performance, financial metrics, and progress towards strategic goals to senior management in Sandton.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in farm management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of crop science, soil management, pest control, and irrigation techniques relevant to the Gauteng region.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and solve complex operational problems.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and ethical farming practices.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the Sandton and surrounding Gauteng operational areas.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and life insurance. This role provides significant opportunities for career growth, professional development, and the chance to lead impactful operations in the agriculture sector near Sandton. You will be part of a respected organization committed to innovation and excellence in South Africa.