Senior Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Grain

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Robust retirement fund

Generous annual leave allowances

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee multiple grain farms in the Soweto vicinity. You will lead strategic plans, manage budgets, and optimize day-to-day farming activities to maximize yield and efficiency.

The role requires 8+ years in large-scale grain farming, strong leadership, and proficiency with farm management software and GPS tech. Travel between Soweto-area farms is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience managing large-scale grain farming operations.
• In-depth knowledge of cereal crops (maize, wheat, sorghum) and Gauteng region.
• Proven experience leading large operational teams and complex logistics.
• Strong budgeting and financial analysis for agricultural enterprises.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with farm management software and GPS technology.
• Willingness to travel between farm locations near Soweto.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple grain farms, ensuring efficient cultivation, planting, and harvesting processes.
• Develop and implement strategic annual operating plans to achieve production targets.
• Manage farm budgets, control costs, and optimize resource utilization for profitability.
• Supervise, train, and mentor farm supervisors and a large workforce.
• Implement best practices in soil health, IPM, and sustainable farming methods.
• Oversee procurement, maintenance, and operation of farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental policies, and labor laws.
• Maintain accurate records of production data, expenditures, inventory, and yields.
• Identify and implement technologies and improvements to boost productivity and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Team mentoring

Strategic planning

GPS technology

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Farm Management

Tools

Farm management software

GPS systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural producer with extensive grain operations in the Soweto vicinity and surrounding areas, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Farm Operations Manager. This role is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of all farming activities across multiple large-scale grain farms. The focus is on maximizing yield, optimizing efficiency, ensuring sustainability, and managing operational budgets effectively. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern grain farming techniques, including crop rotation, soil management, pest and disease control, harvesting logistics, and the operation of large-scale agricultural machinery. We are looking for a decisive leader with strong operational management skills and a proven ability to manage large teams and complex projects in a demanding agricultural environment. This is a key leadership position within our organization, contributing to our success in the grain sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple grain farms, ensuring efficient cultivation, planting, and harvesting processes.
• Develop and implement strategic annual operating plans, including crop selection, input management, and resource allocation, to achieve production targets.
• Manage farm budgets, control costs, and optimize resource utilization (water, fertilizer, fuel) for maximum profitability.
• Supervise, train, and mentor farm supervisors and a large workforce, ensuring high performance, safety compliance, and adherence to company standards.
• Implement and enforce best practices in soil health, conservation tillage, integrated pest management (IPM), and sustainable farming methods.
• Manage the procurement, maintenance, and efficient operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Oversee logistics for grain storage, handling, and transportation to market, ensuring quality preservation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental policies, and labor laws specific to the Gauteng agricultural landscape.
• Maintain accurate records of all farm activities, including production data, financial expenditures, inventory, and yield statistics.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies and operational improvements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related agricultural science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale grain farming operations.
• In-depth knowledge of cereal crop cultivation (e.g., maize, wheat, sorghum) and best practices relevant to the Gauteng region.
• Proven experience in managing large operational teams and complex logistical operations.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis for agricultural enterprises.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software, GPS technology, and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and capacity for strategic decision-making.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively between farm locations near Soweto .
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship in all farm operations.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan.

• private medical insurance
• a robust retirement fund
• generous annual leave allowances
• training opportunities and exposure to industry best practices

This role provides a significant opportunity for career advancement within a leading agricultural organization, with the chance to manage substantial operations and drive strategic growth in the grain sector.