Senior Farm Ops Director - Sustainable, Large-Scale Agri

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24is seeking a Senior Farm Operations Manager in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to oversee and optimize farming activities across crops and livestock. This hands-on role requires deep agricultural knowledge, financial acumen, and a track record of leading teams to high productivity.

You will develop strategic plans, manage budgets, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and drive sustainable farming practices while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.
• 7+ years progressive farm management experience; minimum 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management, irrigation, pest/disease control.
• Experience with livestock management is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and financial planning tools.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve farm production goals.
• Supervise day-to-day farming activities including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and pest control.
• Oversee livestock health, welfare and productivity.
• Manage farm budgets, control expenses, and ensure profitability.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of farm workers and supervisors.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations on the farm.
• Monitor crop yields and quality; implement corrective measures as needed.
• Maintain farm equipment and infrastructure; ensure optimal working condition.
• Source and manage relationships with seed, fertilizer, and input suppliers.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Decision making under pressure

Farming leadership

7+ years farming experience

3+ years senior leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Agronomy

Tools

Farm management software

Financial planning tools

Job description

Placements24is seeking a Senior Farm Operations Manager in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to oversee and optimize farming activities across crops and livestock. This hands-on role requires deep agricultural knowledge, financial acumen, and a track record of leading teams to high productivity.

You will develop strategic plans, manage budgets, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and drive sustainable farming practices while maintaining strong supplier relationships.