director of operations

Farm Manager SA is seeking a Director of Operations in Durban, requiring a minimum of 10 years in farming operations and senior management. Responsibilities include overseeing dairy and Wagyu farming, feed production, and abattoir operations. Candidates should have an agricultural degree, strong financial acumen, and excellent management skills. The role is not remote as it is location-specific.
Job Summary:

Farm Manager with a minimum of 10 years of experience in farming operations and senior management level, required to oversee systems and reporting for dairy and Wagyu farming, feed production, and abattoir operations.
Responsibilities
• Manage systems and reporting for dairy farming (1000 herd size) on irrigated pastures.
• Oversee Wagyu farming on irrigated pastures and dryland rotational grazing with feed supplementation (4000 herd size).
• Lead feed production on pastures and through cropping.
• Prioritize partner producers for the finishing of Wagyu cattle and the growing of green feed.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities with producers for rearing Wagyu calves to 90 days.
• Maintain daily operations at an artisan abattoir (20 head per day).
• Manage feed mill operations (40 t per day).

Requirements:
• Agricultural degree or equivalent.
• Post-graduate business qualification is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years in farming operations industry with at least 5 years at senior management level.
• Proven sound financial background.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with board, staff, customers, and regulators.
• Previous processing plant and abattoir experience is advantageous.
• Strong management and communication skills.

Essential Skills:
• Fluency in written English.
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel.