HPA is Australia's largest hop grower and Bushy Park Estate is the country's oldest hop farm. They're searching for a farm manager to run the essential operation.
Job Description: Farm Manager
The Farm Manager is an essential member of HPA's Operations management team.
This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of Bushy Park Estate (BPE) farm operations, with a strong focus on safety, continuous improvement, and agricultural best practices.
The Farm Manager ensures high-quality hop production by effectively managing people, resources, and farm assets. The role covers all aspects of hop cultivation, harvest operations, and maintenance programs at BPE, aiming for optimal yield, sustainability, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
Farm Operations
Coordinate annual crop production activities in consultation with key stakeholders.
Lead staff and promote a collaborative culture on the hop farm.
Allocate labour for stringing, hop training/tying, and harvest.
Support Assistant Farm Manager and Farm Foreman with supervision.
Provide regular feedback and support proactive performance reviews.
Monitor labour hours to meet operational and budget requirements.
Conduct regular toolbox meetings and ensure clear staff communication.
Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Manage hop fields, facilities, and farm assets, delegating responsibilities as needed.
Contribute to the HPA Operations management team with a focus on consistency and continuous improvement.
Oversee daily harvest operations, ensuring quality, productivity, and safety.
Maintain the farm and its assets in a safe and presentable condition (paddocks, roadways, gardens, fencing, facilities, vehicles, and equipment).
Assist with breeding garden and nursery operations as needed.
Crop Production
Oversee irrigation systems maintenance and scheduling for optimal watering.
Ensure effective management of sheep for bine control in hop fields.
Schedule and apply weed controls and manage bine basal growth.
Inspect crops regularly and report pest, disease, or quality issues promptly.
Ensure compliance with safe chemical usage, handling, storage, and transport regulations.
Contribute to continuous improvement in hop production processes.
Planning and Procurement
Plan and procure resources for efficient crop harvesting and processing.
Prepare farm budgets, production schedules, and monitor costs.
Collaborate with management to allocate labour and inputs.
Work with the Agronomy team to procure annual crop requirements efficiently.
Recommend new suppliers, processes, and products where beneficial.
Issue purchase orders, track expenditures, and ensure timely delivery of goods.
Verify that products and services meet specified standards.
Oversee procurement of farm machinery within the CAPEX budget.
Manage replanting and new development programs.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders about harvest planning and progress.
Work Health & Safety (WHS)
Review and enhance the safety management system.
Lead and foster a positive safety culture across the farm.
Monitor and report safety aspects, hazards, incidents, and non-conformances.
Lead Safety Team meetings and audits.
Train and educate workers on the Safety Management System.
Investigate and implement corrective and preventive safety actions.
Quality & Food Safety
Collaborate on ongoing improvements to the Quality and Food Safety Management System.
Monitor quality and food safety processes, reporting any non-conformances.
Investigate and resolve quality or food safety issues.
Lead a positive team culture aligned with HPA's Quality & Food Safety standards.
Participate in related meetings, external audits, and internal reviews.
Other Duties
The Farm Manager may be required to perform additional tasks from time to time, within the scope of the role.
Skill Requirements
Degree or Diploma in Agronomy, Farm Management, Applied Science, or a related field.
Proven experience in agricultural or agronomy management roles with successful crop production outcomes.
Strong knowledge of soil management, pest control, irrigation, fertigation, and harvesting.
Effective leadership and communication skills with proven team management experience.
Commercial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and resources.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise competing demands.
Understanding of WH&S and quality assurance systems in agriculture.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data-driven decision-making.
Valid driver's licence.
First Aid and CPR certification.
ChemCert or AgSafe Safe Handling of Chemicals certification.
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