Farm Manager

SUMMARY:
Jan Kempdorp. My client, a well established concern within the agricultural industry is seeking to employ an Farm Manager.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant tertiary degree / diploma in agriculture and/or horticulture (advantageous) and 5–10 years’ relevant farm production experience.

POSITION INFO:
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
The position is responsible for the financial and physical performance of the farm by managing the operations of the entire estate through effective planning and implementing policies and procedures as set out by the Group to ensure that production targets are achieved. It is the Farm Manager’s responsibility to ensure the farm runs efficiently and profitably through effective planning, organisation, supervision, and administration of activities on the farm.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A relevant tertiary degree / diploma in agriculture and/or horticulture advantageous.
• 5 – 10 Years’ relevant farm production experience.

• Horticultural practices and a technical understanding of fruit production functions.
• Strong computer literacy: MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Good agricultural practices and crop production.
• Good financial management.
• Basic human resources legislation, especially those relevant to everyday operations (e.g. Absenteeism, leave, health and safety, working hours).

• Contribute to the development of the farming strategic objectives.
• Translate these objectives into operational plans with specific targets.
• Monitor and control operational plans to ensure effective  implementation.
• Ensure long- and short-term operations objectives are formulated within the framework of the business strategy and objectives.
• Formulate a comprehensive resource plan.
• Control the acquisition, deployment and allocation of key resources in line with coordinated farming activities.
• Ensure efficient and effective planning of the deployment of people, materials, equipment and expertise.
• Ensure day-to-day farming activities are well coordinated and monitored to ensure operating best practices are adhered to.

• Effectively and efficiently manage the production of the farm as per plan and forecasts.
• Ensure the maintenance of the farm as per procedures.
• Ensure coordinated operational activities.

• Ensure quality assurance 
• Prioritize activities that maximize the quality of the fruit

• Effectively Manage the planning, budget and execution of new plantings and infrastructure builds
• Ensure projects are delivered within budget and on time.
• Ensure projects meet all quality standards.
• Ensure projects are operationalised within agreed timelines once completed

• Ensure and monitor that risk mitigation measures are in place, adhered to, and monitored regularly.
• Ensure compliance with all company’s policies, procedures and practices in additions to third-party audits and legislation requirements, i.e., Global G.A.P. etc.
• Determine procedural changes for greater efficiency and accuracy

• Consult with Technical department on horticultural best practices.
• Ensure alignment between external service providers and best practice information gathered from technical department.
• Monitor that suppliers and service providers deliver on quantity and quality expectations in line with resource plans

• Draft the annual budget for the farming unit and present it timeously to key stakeholders.
• Monitor income and costs monthly with deviations analysed and forecasts updated.
• Report relevant budget information to the Board of Directors and Finance department when required.
• Monitor that all expenditures are in line with the budget and operational requirements as well as adhere to the Delegation of Authority.
• Operate within the approved budgets

• Plan and roll out annual optimal and cost-effective resource plan.
• Ensure headcount related costs are in line with budget.
• Implement and take accountability for all HR policies, procedures and initiatives and ensure that control measures are in place to monitor progress.
• Identify relevant training needs.
• Motivate employees to create a culture of commitment.
• Promote the culture and values of the organisation through own actions and behaviour.
• Set performance standards in collaboration with employees and monitor performance.
• Ensure an adequate workforce for the efficient and effective operation of the farm.
• Monitor and enforce employee adherence to employer’s policies, legislation, procedures and practices

• Purchase machinery, equipment, and supplies, such as tractors, seed, fertiliser and chemicals within budget and within guidelines provided.
• Effective operational management.

• Ensure that systems are in place to ensure effective information gathering.
• Ensure that system and process control measures are in place and implemented to maintain data and information integrity.
• Ensure that relevant data requirements are available to implement operational plans.