Mariental, NA
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Purpose:
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the Aimab dairy farm in Mariental and the farm operation of Otavifontain in/near Otavi. This role ensures optimal productivity, profitability, animal welfare, and sustainability across all departments, including Agronomy, Milking, Non-Milk Operations, Veterinary Services, Technical, Feeding, and Administration.
Qualification & Experience:
- 4 Year Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in agriculture, Animal Science, Agronomy, Veterinary Science, or related field.
- A postgraduate qualification (MBA or similar) is advantageous.
- 10 years’ experience in dairy farming or large-scale agricultural operations.
- At least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
- Proven experience in managing multi-departmental operations.
- Valid drivers license.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the farm’s long-term strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement in productivity, efficiency, and cost management.
- Identify growth opportunities, including expansion, diversification, and innovation.
Operational Management
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Oversee daily operations across all departments:
Agronomy (crop production, pasture management)
Milking (milk yield, quality, hygiene standards)
Non-Milk (youngstock, dry cows, replacements)
Veterinary Services (animal health, biosecurity, breeding programs)
Technical (maintenance of machinery, infrastructure, utilities)
Feeding (ration formulation, feed quality, storage)
Administration (finance, HR, data administration, compliance, reporting)
- Ensure alignment and coordination between departments.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for each unit.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage budgets for all departments.
- Monitor financial performance, including cost control, margins, and capital expenditure.
- Drive profitability through efficient resource utilization and waste reduction.
- Approve major procurement and investment decisions.
People Leadership
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop departmental managers.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability and teamwork.
- Instil the O&L Persona in all aspects of the business.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Ensure compliance with labour laws and promote employee well-being.
Animal Health & Welfare
- Ensure best practices in animal welfare, nutrition, and herd management.
- Oversee disease prevention, vaccination programs, and veterinary protocols.
- Monitor herd performance indicators such as fertility, mortality, and milk yield.
Production & Quality Management
- Ensure consistent production of high-quality milk meeting industry standards.
- Implement quality assurance systems and hygiene protocols.
- Monitor feed efficiency and conversion rates.
Technical & Infrastructure Oversight
- Ensure proper maintenance and availability of farm equipment and infrastructure.
- Oversee capital projects, expansions, and upgrades.
- Promote adoption of modern farming technologies and automation.
Risk, Compliance & Sustainability
- Ensure compliance with labour, environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Implement risk management strategies (biosecurity, climate risks, market fluctuations).
- Promote sustainable farming practices (water use, soil health, waste management).
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide regular performance reports to owners/board.
- Liaise with suppliers, veterinarians, consultants, farmers, and industry stakeholders.
- Represent the farm in industry forums where required.
Closing date: 23 April 2026
O&L - a Great Place to Work.
Applicants meeting our requirements are invited to apply. O&L Group of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
"This position is subject to a pre-employment screening and vetting process, and by applying for this position, applicants acknowledge that they are aware that the Company reserves the right to carry out screening and pre-employment vetting for all shortlisted applicants. Certificate of Conduct issued by the Namibian Police (not older than 6 months) may be required from all shortlisted applicants."
Requisition ID: 5614