CROPS AND MACHINERY MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Cradock Area, Eastern Cape Province – South Africa: This large commercial mixed farming enterprise is seeking a Crops and Machinery Manager to join the team.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop farming and machinery management.
• Solid, practical competence in a farm workshop environment, including proficient welding (arc/gas/CO2), safe operation of angle grinders and small power tools, general fabrication, building, and structural repairs.
• A proactive, self-reliant approach to troubleshooting and fixing mechanical, structural, and operational issues on farm first before resorting to outside third-party contractors.
• Hands-on experience servicing diesel engines, John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, and implements.
• Basic practical knowledge of rural electrical systems for minor troubleshooting.
• Competent and experienced in operating heavy machinery, specifically driving combine harvesters and TLBs.
• Reasonable technical aptitude to use smartphones and agricultural apps, digital
• task lists, and record-keeping tools. Must be systematic and organized—capable of maintaining structured records and logs digitally or in writing.
• Growing up on a commercial farm is advantageous.
• Comfortable living in a rural farming community and engaging respectfully with local association structures.
• Valid South African driver's license

• Manage the full production cycle—from soil management & preparation, planting,
• irrigation scheduling, chemical/fertilizer application, and crop monitoring to harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, lucerne, teff, oats, etc.
• Manage the end-to-end ordering process for all crop inputs (seed, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.). Source quotes, coordinate with agricultural suppliers, manage delivery schedules, and
• oversee input stock control in alignment with the crop programs.
• Oversee pasture management and crop rotations in direct consultation with the Livestock Manager, ensuring seamless integration between crop and livestock enterprises.
• Direct the maintenance, servicing, and operation of all farm vehicles, John Deere tractors, trailers, and implements. Personally operate heavy machinery, including driving the combine harvester
• during harvest periods.
• Manage the farm workshop, ensuring all small tools, equipment, and general infrastructure are maintained, organized, and in safe working order.
• Oversee water distribution, irrigation scheduling, pump checks, and routine upkeep of water delivery systems across the 300+ hectare irrigation footprint.
• Supervise, schedule, and delegate tasks to the ~6 permanent farm employees in the
• crops team and manage additional temporary staff as required. Implement practical operational systems, daily checklists, and safety protocols.
• Assist with input budgeting, financial planning, and operational cost control.
• Manage crop delivery logistics (all local) & coordination with agricultural clients
• Handle basic on-farm electrical troubleshooting and minor electrical repairs
• (e.g., pumps, fencing, lighting, or housing electrics) alongside general maintenance.