AGRONOMY AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Midlands Area – KwaZulu-Natal: Our client is looking for an Agronomy and Operations Manager to join the team.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in large-scale crop or dairy farm management.
• Strong knowledge of forage crops, soil science, and sustainable farming practices.
• Proven leadership experience in managing diverse teams and large-scale operations.
• Experience in labour management, including recruitment, training, and conflict resolution.
• Fluency in Zulu is not mandatory but would be beneficial for successful team engagement.
• Proficiency in farm management software, precision agriculture tools, and budgeting.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Strong leadership, people management, and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate staff.
• Strategic planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Conflict resolution and performance management expertise.
• Adaptability to seasonal changes and agricultural challenges.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational capabilities.

• Develop and implement crop plans for silage, pasture, and supplemental feed crops.
• Optimize soil health through effective fertilization, crop rotation, and soil conservation practices.
• Monitor crop growth, pest control, and irrigation strategies to maximize yield and quality.

• Oversee day-to-day field operations including planting, harvesting, fertilization, and irrigation.
• Coordinate the maintenance and scheduling of farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Manage input procurement (seeds, fertilizers, chemicals) and control operational budgets.

• Lead, manage, and motivate a diverse workforce, including supervisors, machine operators, and seasonal labourers.
• Implement effective labour planning and scheduling to align with seasonal demands and operational needs.
• Develop and execute training programs focused on agronomy best practices, machinery operation, safety protocols, and efficiency improvement.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and development opportunities.
• Manage labour relations, ensuring compliance with labour laws, health and safety regulations, and company policies.
• Encourage a culture of continuous learning, skills development, and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in Zulu would be highly advantageous for effective communication and team management.

• Utilize farm management software and precision agriculture tools to track crop and operational data.
• Analyse performance metrics to make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
• Report regularly on crop yields, soil conditions, workforce productivity, and operational KPIs to senior management.