Farm Manager

**Vacancy: Farm Manager (Pome)**

A promising career opportunity exists for a suitable applicant with Chiltern, a dynamic Agribusiness in the Vyeboom area near Villiersdorp. Chiltern aims to practice agriculture in a modern, world-class way. by constantly evaluating our operating methods and incorporating technology, we strive to continually improve our Agribusiness to create an extraordinary future. We believe that the greatest ingredient in our success is our people. We aim to foster a work environment that is professional and results-focused while retaining a family feel.

We aim to attract people that are ethical, professional, enthusiastic, self-motivated, flexible, results focus, open to learning, and who embrace technology and best practices to make a difference and add value.

The position will take full responsibility for a 107-hectare production unit of pome fruit and will report to the General Manager of the farming division.

The purpose of this job is to coordinate activities and resources in implementation of farm plans to ensure the farm is profitable and has a motivated workforce.

**Duties and responsibilities**:
**Budget Management**

Compile annual production budget (including equipment, maintenance) and labour (man hours, overtime) budget

Calculate labour costs per day

Compile cost per tree in collaborate with assistant farm managers

Monitor and report on budgets monthly

**Production management according to seasonal activity**

Manage Labour costs

Manage operational expenses

Set up fertiliser and spray instructions for drivers

Irrigation

Fertiliser

Pest and decease control (preventative and responsive interventions)

Pollination

**Implementation planning and monitoring**

Oversees that implementation is done according to quality standards

Evaluate execution quality

**People Management**

Motivate assistant farm mangers

Develop employees showing potential for development

Address escalated people related issues and progressive disciplinary matters

**Innovation**

Attend field days, presentations and visit sites to remain up to date with new ways of working

Seek advice from external advisors

Oversee implementation of innovative ways of working

**Qualifications and Experience**:
**Qualifications**:
B. Sc Agric or similar tertiary qualification

**Experience**:
A minimum of 5 - 7 years practical seasonal experience in fruit production and farm management.

A minimum of 3 - 5 years in middle management role

Advanced computer skills (MS office suite) and familiarity with IT systems (E.g. Power BI, Farm Trace,

ACCPAC, DF Probes will be advantageous)

**Other knowledge and skills required**:
Knowledge of all audits

Knowledge of cultivating plants to produce fruit to the required standards.

Good interpersonal and communication skills

A work ethic that prizes accuracy, thoroughness, drive, and integrity

Demonstratable management and leadership qualities.

Good project planning and monitoring skills

Must be physically fit to perform the work.

Valid Driver’s licence

Able to speak, read and write in English or Afrikaans. (Ability to speak Xhosa or Sotho will count in your favour).

Strong numerical skills.

Strong organisation and planning skills in meeting deadlines.

An action orientated approach with an intense sense of accountability

Able to work under pressure.

Self-disciplined, collaborator.

Hard worker with a strong sense of accountability & resilience.

Must be able to work overtime, public holidays, and weekends when and if required (standby duties).

Able to work flexible working hours incl. night shift, overtime and on public holidays when and if required.

**Salary**: R60,000.00 - R69,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Villiersdorp, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Bachelors (preferred)

**Experience**:

- farm management: 7 years (preferred)