Senior Farm Manager -FM1780 at Farm Managers SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 with a tertiary qualification in Agricultural Management or equivalent.
• AVCASA / BASOS or equivalent, is highly advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proven knowledge and experience of crop production, irrigation systems, spray programs and general farm management practices.
• Proficient in budget management, cost control and financial management.
• Mechanical knowledge specific to the agricultural sector.
• Working knowledge of Labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, COIDA, EE, UIF etc.)
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Drivers’ License (PDP advantageous).
• Health & Safety knowledge specific to the agricultural sector.

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Strong management, planning, prioritizing and organizational skills.
• Must be a team player and a leader that others will want to follow
• Must be able to manage diversity in the workplace
• Ability to mentor, coach leaders/managers, in their specific sections, to be able to function at a higher level, to get the expected technical and quality results
• Focused on timeous and complete execution of actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop subordinates.
• Maintenance orientated.
• Ability to work under pressure, deadline driven and work independently.
• Ability to be assertive while at the same time maintaining a high level of respect.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage a diverse team.
• Ability to speak/understand Xhosa, is highly advantageous.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Planning, organizing, and performance of citrus and horticultural farming operations from development and soil preparations for new orchards up to and including but not limited to harvesting, marketing, and sales.
• Full responsibility of development, planting and grafting of citrus and pecan nut trees.
• To ensure newly developed orchards are tended to maintain optimal growing conditions to ensure best possible production is obtained.
• Responsible for ensuring all legal and market access requirements, including adherence to environmental, social, and ethical audits.
• Oversight and management of farm operations systems including recordkeeping, spray recordkeeping, pest control, scouting, water management records, maximum residue levels as per local and export market requirements – to ensure compliance and accreditations.
• Overseeing the management of crop production with best production practices including pruning, crop manipulations, fertilizing, pest control and weed control.
• Ensuring optimal irrigation scheduling is adhered to.
• Oversight and management of maintenance of farm buildings, water infrastructure and farm equipment.
• Preparation of harvest estimates and implementation of picking and packing plan for local and export market.
• Setup and management of OPEX budgets, CAPEX, and monitoring expenditures against budget.
• Direct, co-ordinate and motivate operational staff and contractors, providing necessary training, supervision, performance management and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Ensure all Health & Safety policies & procedures are adhered to by all sub-ordinates and contractors.
• Must believe and have experience in the development of human capital
• Actively manage and expand on existing and new technologies.
• Inventory and stock control and management thereof.