Farm Operations Manager

Rombola Family Farms encompasses over 4,000 hectares of intensive irrigated horticultural production at Griffith (NSW), Bundaberg (QLD) and Mataranka (NT). Agricultural enterprises include Seedless Watermelon, Rockmelons, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Almonds and Winegrapes. Operations include primary production, processing, value adding and marketing.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Farm Manager to join our team in Griffith, NSW. The Farm Manager will be hands-on and be a strategic thinker with demonstrated people leadership skills and operational management experience.
The Farm Operations Manager is a key member of the Rombola Family Farms production team. This role will oversee operations to ensure production efficiency, quality, services, and cost-effective management of resources (including plant, equipment, and human resources). The role will also manage overall day-to-day operations and supervision of direct reports to meet the needs of the production schedule.
Key accountabilities include:

• Coordinate and supervise all farming activities and ensure all are completed on-time and within budget.
• Direct and monitor the process of growing & cultivating crops including seedling, fertilising, irrigation, pest control etc.
• Plan and coordinate the production of all our crops, such as, watermelon and melons according to the organisational plan for the specific season.
• Maintain and evaluate records of farming activities, monitoring market activity, and planning crop preparation and production to meet contract requirements and market demand.
• Monitor the agreed production schedule to ensure all tasks are completed in line with agreed timing for all plantings.
• Work hand in hand with the Engineering manager (maintenance) to ensure Farm Operations have the highest possible equipment availability and to maintain farm buildings, fences, equipment, and water supply systems.
• Manage the allocation of Human resources to specific tasks based on skill and reliability, in line with the agreed production schedules.
• Allocates plant and equipment to specific tasks based on suitability to meet the production schedule.
• Works closely with the production team, particularly the Farm Manager ,Growers & Agronomist, to ensure agreed production practices and systems are delivering the desired result.
• Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities. Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility and expect accountability and regular feedback.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Maintains a running schedule to ensure all team members understand progress to date and upcoming tasks.

To be successful in the role you will possess the following:

• Qualification in a relevant discipline, is preferred but not required.
• Proven ability and minimum 5 years' experience in the farming field and a track record of success in achieving production targets.
• Understanding of commercial realities including exposure to and participation in financial, commercial, and planning decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop work plans and achieve the goals of these work plans.
• Good with numbers: analysing cost and want to have input into Capital Expenditure and farm expansion plans.
• A high level of energy with a positive can-do attitude, with the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
• Competence and experience in the operation of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
• Practical understanding of the use and application of farm-related software programs and high level of computer literacy.
• Relationship management skills with the ability to build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional people management and negotiation skills.
• Flexibility in hours worked to achieve operational targets.
• Sound working knowledge of WH&S requirements.
• A current driver's licence.

In return we offer you:

• An attractive remuneration package based upon relevant qualifications and experience.
• Learning and growth opportunities within a fast paced and growing business.
• A passionate and energetic team culture.
• Annual salary range is between $90,000 - $110,000 plus superannuation.

Who we are:
Rombola Family Farms is a large scale, progressive, privately owned horticultural business based 20kms North of Griffith, NSW. The company operates counter-seasonal operations in Mataranka (Northern Territory), and in Bundaberg (Queensland), allowing us to supply our melons and pumpkins to our customers year-round.
How to Apply:
Please apply via the jotform link below. Applicants who don't apply through this link will not be considered for the role:
https://form.jotform.com/240026896536866
More information
For more information please email hr@rombolafamilyfarms.com.au or for a confidential discussion please contact Priscilla on 0447 502 443 or contact Erika 0499 444 717. To learn more about working with us, we encourage you to visit our website http://www.rombolafamilyfarms.com.au