Head of Agriculture Operations - Production
Our client, a leader in the agricultural industry, is seeking a dynamic Head of Agriculture - Production to oversee 15 farms across South Africa and Mozambique, covering approximately 3,000 hectares. This pivotal role involves managing Operations Managers and driving productivity across diverse crops. If you are a results-driven professional with expertise in maximizing yields, leading technical evaluations, and driving farm profitability, this role is for you!
Min Requirements:
- Qualifications: BSc or BEng in Horticulture, Mechanical/Electrical/Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, or Agronomy.
- Preferred: MBA (beneficial but not mandatory).
- Minimum 10 years of management experience in agriculture, with a proven track record of leading large-scale farming operations.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to analyse and drive farm profitability.
- Experience in subtropical fruits, citrus, or sugarcane is highly desirable.
- Skills: Proficiency in technical evaluations and a strong background in agriculture or engineering.
- Must be a bold, independent thinker with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Understanding of agricultural market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
- Collaborative leadership, focused on delivering business strategies and developing teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage farms, focusing on maximizing yields and conducting technical evaluations of soils, tree health, and orchards.
- Implement cost-saving measures to boost production efficiency and profitability.
- Drive new farm valuations, assess their bankable potential, and explore opportunities across new markets.
- Manage product lines and nursery operations integral to the business.
- Ensure farm profitability by increasing yields by 5-10% annually.
- Lead land claims discussions with local communities and foster strong relationships.
- Leverage technology like AGES and Aerobotics to enhance farm efficiency.
- Oversee compliance with ISO 45001 standards for occupational health and safety.
- Fulfil 16.2 statutory responsibilities for workplace safety and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Manage substantial CAPEX and OPEX budgets, focusing on accurate forecasting and budget control.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
#J-18808-Ljbffr