OPERATIONS MANAGER

SUMMARY:
FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER

POSITION INFO:
FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER A hands-on leadership opportunity in a diverse and growing farming operation Are you an experienced agricultural professional who knows how to turn good farming practices into strong production results and sustainable profitability? A great opportunity is available for a practical, driven and commercially minded Farm Operations Manager to take responsibility for a diverse farming operation producing wheat, maize, potatoes, beetroot, carrots and onions. This is an opportunity for an experienced individual who enjoys being actively involved in the day-to-day running of a farm, leading people, solving problems and ensuring that every aspect of production is planned, managed and executed to a high standard. Working closely with the owner, the successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating farming activities, improving operational efficiency and contributing to the long-term growth and profitability of the business. The Opportunity The successful candidate will take ownership of daily farm operations, bringing together crop production, people management, planning and practical problem-solving to ensure the operation runs efficiently and productively. This is a hands-on management position for someone who can confidently move between the field, the team and the bigger operational picture - balancing immediate production demands with sound planning and commercial decision-making. Key Responsibilities Farm Operations: Oversee and coordinate daily farming activities, ensuring that work is completed efficiently, on time and to the required standard. Crop Production: Plan, implement and monitor production across wheat, maize, potatoes, beetroot, carrots and onions. Planning & Coordination: Develop work schedules, allocate resources, prioritize activities and ensure that production targets are met. Staff Leadership: Lead, manage and motivate farm staff while maintaining discipline, accountability, productivity and high standards of work. Machinery & Infrastructure: Oversee the upkeep and maintenance of farm infrastructure, equipment, vehicles and mechanization. Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to improve production performance, manage costs, reduce inefficiencies and make better use of available resources. Business Performance: Maintain a strong focus on productivity, cost control and profitability, ensuring that operational decisions support the commercial objectives of the farm. Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the owner on operational planning, decision-making, problem-solving and the ongoing development of the farming operation. What We Are Looking For The ideal candidate will be an experienced, hands-on agricultural professional with a solid understanding of crop production and the ability to manage multiple farming activities in a structured, practical and results-driven manner. Minimum requirements and preferred experience: 6-8 years of relevant experience in a similar farm management or agricultural operations role. Strong practical knowledge of vegetable farming and crop production. Experience managing or coordinating multiple production sectors. Knowledge of potatoes, onions, beetroot, carrots, wheat and maize will be a significant advantage. Proven staff management, leadership and organizational abilities. Strong planning, prioritization and decision-making skills. Practical mechanical knowledge and the ability to troubleshoot operational problems will be beneficial. A tertiary qualification in agriculture or a related field is recommended. Sound business acumen and a clear understanding of the importance of cost control, productivity and profitability. The Person We Are Looking For Beyond technical knowledge and experience, we are looking for someone who takes pride in doing things properly. You are likely to be a good fit if you are: Independent, dependable and willing to take responsibility. Practical, solutions-oriented and comfortable making decisions. A confident leader who can manage people fairly and effectively. Organized, disciplined and able to manage competing priorities. Focused on results, quality and operational efficiency. Commercially aware, with an appreciation for the relationship between production performance and profitability. Looking for a long-term opportunity where you can contribute meaningfully and grow alongside the business. The Bigger Opportunity This role offers the opportunity to become an integral part of a diverse farming operation, work directly with the owner and make a tangible contribution to its ongoing success. For the right person, this is more than a day-to-day farm management position. It is an opportunity to take responsibility, demonstrate leadership, improve the way things are done and build a long-term future within an operation that values initiative, accountability and results. If you have the agricultural experience, practical ability and commercial mindset to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.