Vacancies at Farm Managers SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Previous front-of-house, restaurant, wine-estate or high-quality hospitality experience.
• Good wine knowledge is strongly preferred; formal wine training is advantageous, but a genuine interest and willingness to learn are essential.
• Strong people leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort with reservation systems, point-of-sale systems and basic reporting.
• High standards of personal presentation, organisation, cleanliness and attention to detail.
• Availability to work the hours required by hospitality, including weekends, public holidays and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Welcome guests and set the tone for a warm, professional experience.
• Manage restaurant and wine-tasting reservations, enquiries, table planning and guest communications.
• Lead and coordinate front-of-house staff, including daily briefings, service standards, rosters and on-the-floor supervision.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of the farm wines and confidently host or support tastings, wine sales and guest recommendations.
• Monitor restaurant service and presentation continuously, resolving guest issues promptly and maintaining quality-control standards.
• Coordinate closely with the kitchen and back-of-house team so that bookings, service timing, special requests and events run smoothly.
• Control wine and relevant front-of-house stock: receiving, storage, counts, transfers, breakages, variances and availability.
• Oversee accurate point-of-sale, cash-up and end-of-day reporting procedures, escalating discrepancies where necessary.
• Support functions, events, group bookings and special experiences at the estate.
• Provide concise operational reporting to management, including bookings, sales, stock issues, guest feedback and matters requiring

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience managing a substantial agricultural operation or a significant section of one.
• Strong practical knowledge of crop production; experience with cattle is advantageous.
• Macadamia/orchard experience would be highly advantageous, and horse or equestrian experience would be useful.
• Good financial discipline with the ability to prepare and work to budgets, understand costs and interpret basic management information.
• Strong staff leadership, planning, record-keeping and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable working directly with a Board and taking responsibility for agreed targets and projects.
• An agricultural qualification is advantageous, but strong practical experience and demonstrated management capability will carry significant weight.
• A long-term mindset and genuine enthusiasm for developing a farming business that is still in its infancy. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation, productivity and presentation of the 750-hectare farm.
• Manage cattle operations, including grazing, breeding, animal health, handling, records and sales.
• Oversee the farm's horse and equestrian requirements, including grazing, care, facilities and coordination with relevant staff.
• Manage and develop macadamia orchards, including maintenance, inputs, irrigation, harvesting and contractor coordination.
• Plan and manage teff and other crop production, including planting, inputs, harvesting, yields and rotation.
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets with the Board and accounting team; monitor actual performance against budget and explain variances.
• Maintain disciplined control over purchasing, fuel, feed, chemicals, labour, contractors, machinery and other farm costs.
• Manage, lead and develop farm staff and contractors, with clear accountability for work standards and productivity.
• Maintain farm infrastructure including roads, fencing, water systems, buildings, machinery and equipment.
• Maintain practical farm records and provide regular operational and financial reporting to the company.
• Identify and evaluate new agricultural opportunities and assist the Board in planning the farm's expansion and development.
• Maintain appropriate animal welfare, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Production Manager or similar role
• Experience within the fruit packing industry is essential
• Experience with MAFF RODA mechanical sizer will be advantageous

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good problem-solving, analytical and numerical ability
• Proficient in MS Office
• Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple processes
• Team player who can work with minimal supervision

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Manage daily and weekly packing plans to minimise downtime
• Control operational costs, resources and departmental expenditure
• Oversee production systems, incentive tracking, stock control and material planning
• Ensure efficient packing processes, productivity and optimal use of resources
• Coordinate with suppliers and maintenance to ensure smooth operations
• Ensure quality controls meet customer, brand and compliance standards (HACCP/BRC) Maintain safety standards, documentation and regulatory compliance
• Oversee staff selection, training, performance management and discipline
• Manage timesheets, attendance, absenteeism and performance evaluations
• Willing to work irregular hours, including night shifts

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• National Senior Certificate - Grade 12
• Any level of tertiary qualification advantageous
• Agricultural background
• Fencing experience
• Previous experience in general maintenance of farming equipment, including tractors, bailing equipment, planters, pumps and pivots.
• Computer literate
• Must be neat and diligent.
• Must be a team player.
• Valid driver’s license

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Agricultural Diploma/Degree advantageous
• MIN of 1 – 2 years previous calf rearing experience
• Ability to AI advantageous
• Great stockmanship essential
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate
• Valid driver’s license

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 with relevant bookkeeping certificates or qualifications
• Proven bookkeeping experience up to trial balance
• Experience using Excel, Sage/Pastel
• Sales and invoicing experience
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment
• General Administration skills
• Computer literacy
• Deadline driven
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, with Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy or Soil Science major
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the agronomy field
• Experience in plant selection process and the development of planting and irrigation schedules, budgets, and timelines
• Proven track record of commercial farming in citrus.
• Strong computer skills, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software, to build fertiliser programmes and track fertiliser applications.
• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments
• Listening, verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to work as an individual as well as in a team context
• Be able to mentor subordinates
• Ability to present technical subject matter to senior management, officials, farmers and other stakeholders

KEY RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Responsible for fertiliser programmes and water management on +/- 1400 ha of citrus
• Responsible for annual budgets of above programmes
• Provide input on farming practices, including irrigation, pruning and yield estimates
• Crop Management: Develop and implement effective crop management strategies to optimise yield, quality and profitability
• Soil Science: Analyse soil composition, fertility, and health to recommend improvements and ensure sustainable soil management practices
• Water Management: Develop and implement efficient irrigation systems and water conservation strategies
• Research and Development: Trial and evaluate new rootstocks, varieties, soil management techniques and irrigation practices
• Consultation and Advisory Services: Provide expert advice to farmers and 3rd party growers on best practices in crop production, soil management, and water conservation
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyse data on crop yields, soil health, and water usage, and prepare reports to inform decision-making

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BSc degree in Entomology or a related agricultural science
• Minimum 5 years’ working experience in a similar role
• Experience in commercial citrus pest and disease management
• Sound knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) and export market phytosanitary and MRL requirements
• Strong computer skills, especially MS Office, for recording and analysing scouting and spray data
• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Awareness of industry trends, technology and developments
• Good verbal, written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Be able to manage and mentor
• Ability to present technical subject matter to senior management, growers and other stakeholders

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Plan and manage the integrated pest and disease control programme on +/- 1400 ha of citrus, in conjunction with the Head of Production
• Assist with planning and management of post-harvest disease programmes
• Manage scouting teams to identify and monitor pest and disease outbreaks
• Gather and interpret technical information and make recommendations to production management
• Assist with the planning and management of agricultural trials and experiments
• Manage market access requirements – ensure pest and disease control practices do not limit access to export markets
• Provide pest and disease advice and support to third party citrus growers
• Compile and maintain pest and disease records, spray records and reports for audits and certification

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Qualification in poultry or Agricultural Science advantageous
• Minimum of 5 previous years’ experience in farming
• General farming background crops, maize and cattle
• Knowledge of Broiler breeders essential
• Excellent management and leadership skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Being maintenance orientated essential
• Computer literate
• Ability to speak Zulu
• Valid driver’s licenses

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Matric / Grade 12 certificate. Higher qualifications will be an advantage. 
• 3 Years Hospitality management experience. 
• Diploma in Wildlife conservation and Farm management would be an advantage. 
• Trained and Qualified Field Guide advantageous
• Must have excellent people skills to interact with guests. 
• Management of Accommodation Facilities and Guests is imperative.
• Good Management of a Restaurant, Bar Facilities and Culinary Skills
• Valid driver’s license

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Accounting Diploma/ Degree or equivalent
• At least 5 years’ experience in an agricultural environment
• Proven bookkeeping experience up to audit stage
• Experience using Excel, Sage/Pastel and PaySpace payroll
• Computer literate
• Exceptional communication and reporting skills (written & verbal)
• General Administration skills
• Strong cashbook, creditors, debtors and inventory
• Extensive understanding of the portfolio of logistics principles
• Ability to work under pressure
• Valid driver’s license

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Agricultural Diploma/Degree advantageous
• Min of 3 years previous pasture management experience
• Passion for pastures and irrigation
• Experience with planning and planting
• Min of 3 years previous dairy experience
• Computer literate
• Ability to work with and motivate a team
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to speak Xhosa advantageous
• Maintenance/ Mechanically orientated
• Valid driver’s license