Farm Manager

Finovate People

Cape Winelands, Western Cape
Permanent
Full-time

17 days ago

Our client is looking for an experienced, self-motivated and target driven Farm Manager for their farm in the Winelands area (close to Stellenbosch).Company Overview:An Agricultural business which builds, maintains and grows world class primary production operations which produce and pack high value exportable produce. Their core values revolve around Relationships, Stewardship, Excellence, and Integrity.Position Overview:The Farm Manager will oversee all operations of their blueberry farm, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and profitability. This role involves all production related matters, staff management, budget adherence, productivity measurement, quality assurance, and farm maintenance.Key Responsibilities:Production Oversight:

Supervise all production practices on the farm, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Implement strategies to optimize productivity and efficiency in blueberry cultivation.
Regularly inspect fields and facilities to maintain high standards of production.
Ensure accurate and timely record keeping of farm activities.
Track and optimize yield per hectare, ensuring productivity of the blueberry farm.
Maintain a high percentage of blueberries meeting quality standards for export.

Financial Management:

Manage the farm's financial performance by comparing actual production costs against the budget.
Develop and manage the farm budget, ensuring efficient cash flow.
Implement cost reduction measures and evaluate spending efficacy.
Monitor actual production costs against budgetary projections and identify areas for cost optimization.
Implement effective cost reduction measures to improve profitability while maintaining quality standards.

Staff Management:

Plan and implement weekly & daily staff and activity planning, coaching, and monitoring.
Monitor staff performance and provide feedback to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Conduct performance evaluations and training sessions to enhance team skills.

Yield Optimization:

Track and Track and analyse yield per hectare, identifying factors impacting productivity yield per hectare, identifying factors impacting productivity and implementing corrective measures and implementing corrective measures.
Implement strategies to optimise blueberry yield and quality, ensuring maximum e blueberry yield and quality, ensuring maximum profitability.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

Ensure health, safety, and security compliance on the farm.
Maintain compliance with government regulations and legal requirements.
Implement quality control measures to meet or exceed customer expectations.

Infrastructure and Asset Maintenance:

Manage contractors to adhere to timelines for development projects.
Oversee maintenance of farm infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles.
Minimize downtime of company vehicles through effective maintenance Minimize downtime of company vehicles through effective maintenance planning.

Stakeholder Relations:

Build and maintain good relationships with suppliers & contractors.
Represent company in negotiations and discussions with external partners.
Facilitate development within the wider business of the company

Key Performance Areas (mbut not limited to):

People management, motivation, and direction
Process planning and control.
Production management according to seasonal activities
Production standards
Financial control
Vision and Innovation

Requirements:

BSc. Agriculture or similar tertiary qualification
Minimum of 5 -7 years practical seasonal experience in fruit production and farm management
Minimum of 3 -5 years in a middle management role
Advanced computer skills (MS Office suite) and familiarity with IT systems (e.g., Power BI, Farm Trace, ACCPAC, DF Probes advantageous)
Knowledge of all audits and cultivating plants to produce fruit to required standards
Good project planning and monitoring skills
Physically fit to perform the work
Valid driver's license
Proficiency in English or Afrikaans (ability to speak Xhosa or Sotho advantageous)
Action-oriented approach with a strong sense of accountability
Willingness to work overtime, public holidays, and weekends when required

Area: Winelands area near Stellenbosch.Starting date: As soon as possible.Salary: Market related and depending on experience.Benefits: Housing is provided.Please apply online for this position if you meet the above-mentioned requirements.Please assume that your application was unsuccessful if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks.

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