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Cradock Area, Eastern Cape Province – South Africa: This large commercial mixed farming enterprise is seeking a Crops and Machinery Manager to join the team.
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 & license.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- 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.
ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted
