Farm Manager

Farm Manager
Location:
Between Riversdale and Still Bay, Western Cape
Reporting to:
Owners / Family Office
Employment Type:
Full-time, On-site
Accommodation: 2-bedroom manager’s house provided

About the Farm

This is a privately owned mixed-use farm spanning approximately 200+ hectares, situated between Riversdale and Still Bay in the Western Cape. The property consists largely of natural veld and fynbos, with designated grazing areas, greenhouse production, established water infrastructure (including dams and borehole supply), and multiple operational buildings.

The farming activities include small-scale crop production (including greenhouse tunnels), grazing management, and limited livestock. It is not a large-scale commercial monocrop operation, but rather a well-maintained working farm requiring structured operational oversight, infrastructure management, and strong land stewardship.

The role requires someone comfortable managing both agricultural productivity and the broader operational demands of a diverse rural property.

Role Overview

The Farm Manager will take full responsibility for the operational, agricultural, infrastructure, and financial management of the property.

This role requires a practical, hands-on leader with strong agricultural knowledge who can manage daily farm operations while maintaining high standards across land use, infrastructure, staff performance, and compliance. The successful candidate must be organised, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple work streams simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations

• Oversee all daily farm operations, ensuring efficient coordination across the property.

• Plan and manage planting cycles, greenhouse production, harvesting schedules, and grazing management.

• Maintain infrastructure including irrigation systems, fences, buildings, roads, dams, and farm equipment.

• Implement preventative maintenance programmes for all farm assets.

• Manage farm administration, reporting, and operational documentation.

Agricultural & Livestock Management

• Manage crop production and greenhouse operations.

• Oversee grazing areas and livestock care where applicable.

• Ensure optimal soil health and responsible water usage.

• Monitor animal health, feeding schedules, and veterinary requirements.

• Maintain accurate production and performance records.

Staff & Contractor Management

• Supervise and manage on-site farm staff.

• Allocate daily and weekly work plans to ensure accountability and output.

• Coordinate external contractors (fencing, construction, mechanical, veterinary).

• Conduct performance reviews and maintain operational standards.

• Promote a disciplined and safety-focused working environment.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with agricultural, labour, and safety regulations.

• Conduct safety briefings and site inspections.

• Maintain compliance documentation and incident records.

• Ensure safe operation of machinery and vehicles.

Financial & Budget Management

• Prepare and manage the annual farm operating budget.

• Monitor expenses and procurement.

• Negotiate with suppliers and manage input costs.

• Provide regular operational and financial updates to ownership.

Environmental & Land Stewardship

• Implement responsible and sustainable farming practices.

• Manage water resources efficiently.

• Maintain biodiversity and natural veld responsibly.

Owner Support

• Act as the primary on-site contact for ownership.

• Prepare the property for visits when required.

• Maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.

• Assist with improvement projects and infrastructure upgrades.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience managing a farm or agricultural operation of similar scale.

• Strong knowledge of land management, grazing, crop production, and infrastructure oversight.

• Demonstrated leadership and staff management experience.

• Strong planning and organisational skills.

• Financial and budgeting competence.

• Valid driver’s licence.

Advantageous

• Formal qualification in Agriculture or Farm Management.

• Experience managing greenhouse production.

• Mechanical or technical aptitude.

• Exposure to sustainable or regenerative farming practices.

Personal Attributes

• Trustworthy and reliable.

• Hands-on and proactive.

• Detail-oriented.

• Calm under pressure.

• Passionate about farming and land stewardship.