Research Farm Manager – Pongola Research Station – Pongola (73117) Job at Ntice Sourcing Solutions

About the role

• The Research Farm Manager runs the day-to-day operation of the station. The job is to create the best possible conditions for field experiments, run the station as a productive commercial unit, and look after the land for the long term.
• You will lead a team of about 61 people (39 permanent and 22 seasonal), supported by an Assistant Farm Manager, and report to the Research Stations' Manager.

Irrigation: central to this role

At Pongola, research simply doesn't work without reliable irrigation. You will be fully responsible for the station's irrigation system. That includes:

• Planning and running irrigation schedules that meet the needs of each trial and the commercial crop.
• Understanding how the system works, from pumps and mainlines to in-field infrastructure, so that faults are spotted early and fixed properly.
• Setting up and managing a preventative maintenance programme for all irrigation infrastructure to avoid damage, water loss and downtime.
• Managing water use responsibly and cost-effectively.

What else you'll be doing

• Drawing up and carrying out long-term plans so that conditions suit research trials, from land preparation and planting through to cane husbandry and harvesting.
• Following breeders' and researchers' instructions accurately and arranging the resources needed to establish their trials.
• Allocating staff, equipment and inputs cost-effectively, in line with research priorities.
• Keeping all farm assets in good repair through regular servicing and preventative maintenance.
• Maintaining strict soil conservation practices in line with SUSFARMS principles and other industry standards.
• Running the station as a commercial unit, recovering cane efficiently and delivering it to the mill once research needs have been met.
• Preparing and managing the station budget and providing monthly variance notes.
• Chairing bi-monthly meetings with Shop Stewards of the recognised trade union, reporting back at quarterly meetings, and taking part in annual wage negotiations.
• Building good relationships with staff, neighbouring farms, suppliers, growers and other industry stakeholders.
• Implementing and complying with all Health and Safety regulations.

What you'll need

• A Diploma or BSc in Agriculture.
• Proven, hands-on experience managing irrigation systems, including scheduling, maintenance and troubleshooting. A minimum of 3 seasons experience.
• Experience supervising farm staff and operations, preferably including at least 18 months at management level.
• Sound crop management experience.
• Good mechanical knowledge.
• A valid driver's licence.

It would be a plus if you have

• A Senior Certificate in Sugarcane Agriculture.
• Experience growing sugarcane under irrigation.
• Experience in budgeting and labour relations.

Working conditions

• On-site accommodation is provided for the successful candidate and their family. The role requires working farm hours (6 am to 3 pm), after-hours and weekend work when needed, and standby duty every second weekend.