Senior Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Agribusiness

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Company vehicle

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee extensive farming activities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This executive role requires strategic leadership, tracking efficiency, and driving profitability across a large land portfolio.

The candidate will lead a team of farm managers and workers, implement sustainable practices, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance while adopting new technologies to optimize operations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural Management, Agribusiness, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive farm management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale agricultural operations, preferably in KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day farm operations, including crop production, livestock management, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and profitability.
• Manage budgets, control operational expenses, and optimize resource allocation for ROI.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of farm managers, supervisors, and workers to foster high performance.
• Implement best practices in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and health and safety standards.
• Oversee procurement of inputs, equipment, and services with favorable supplier terms.
• Monitor crop cycles, livestock health, and market trends to inform decisions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and company policies.
• Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and forecasts for senior management.

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Management, Agribusiness, Agronomy, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agribusiness enterprise, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee their extensive farming operations in the vital agricultural hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This executive-level position requires a proven leader with a strong track record in managing diverse agricultural operations, optimizing efficiency, and driving profitability. The role involves strategic planning, resource management, and ensuring the successful execution of farming activities across a significant land portfolio. This is a key leadership role within a major agricultural player, offering substantial responsibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of day-to-day farm operations, including crop production, livestock management (if applicable), and infrastructure maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and profitability goals.
• Manage budgets, control operational expenses, and ensure optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of farm managers, supervisors, and farm workers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Implement and enforce best practices in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and health and safety standards.
• Oversee the procurement of inputs, equipment, and services, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.
• Monitor crop cycles, livestock health, and market trends to make informed operational decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Prepare comprehensive operational reports, performance analyses, and forecasts for senior management.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Agricultural Management, Agribusiness, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in farm management or agricultural operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale agricultural operations, preferably in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful operational strategies and manage significant budgets.
• Strong understanding of crop science, soil management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with the ability to manage a diverse workforce.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience with agricultural financial planning and analysis.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Richards Bay.

Benefits

• highly competitive base salary
• substantial performance bonuses
• executive health benefits
• company vehicle

Opportunities for further professional development and advancement within this prominent agricultural group are extensive. Join a company that values innovation and sustainability in the dynamic agricultural landscape of KwaZulu-Natal .