Nicholas Kane-Berman
Summary
Commercially minded agribusiness operations professional with 10 years of experience in maize production and full feedlot management. Expertise includes staff leadership, supplier negotiation, livestock sales, cash flow management, compliance, and operational planning. Holds an honours degree in geology, providing strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of land and resource management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager - Feedlot, Maize
Beestepan Boerdery(Pty)Ltd
Middelburg
08.2016 - Current
- Involved in all areas of farm business management, from strategy and planning to labour relations and logistics.
- Supervised multiple teams across the full maize production cycle, from planting through to harvest, making operational decisions within the farm's strategic framework.
- Managed a team of approximately 50 employees within a 250-strong permanent workforce.
- Contributed to the planting of 11 000 hectares of maize at up to 100 hectares per day, ensuring crop viability and yield success.
- Solely managed all operational aspects of the feedlot business for the past three years.
- Managed feed sourcing and feeding programmes to support animal health and optimal growth rates.
- Negotiated livestock purchases and sales, and handled all related invoicing.
- Established and enforced animal health protocols to safeguard livestock welfare.
- Built an extensive network of suppliers and buyers to support both feedlot and crop production.
- Planned daily operations around seasonal priorities to maximise efficiency and output.
- Resolved day-to-day operational challenges as they arose.
Geologist, Mining
Royal HaskoningDHV
05.2015 - 08.2016
- Navigated the mining value chain to identify opportunities and streamline processes, working across multiple stages of project delivery.
- Compiled project proposals aligned with client and technical requirements.
- Facilitated the tender adjudication process, ensuring full compliance with project specifications.
- Contributed to business development by identifying client needs and aligning service offerings accordingly.
- Built and maintained client relationships to enhance service delivery and support long-term engagement.
Junior Geologist
Shango Solutions
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Compiled and managed an electronic database from hardcopy borehole logs, improving data accessibility and record-keeping.
- Conducted detailed research to support the creation of presentations aligned with project objectives.
Bartender
Sports Bar & Grill
London, United Kingdom
02.2014 - 06.2014
- Took customer orders and prepared drinks in line with established service standards.
- Maintained a well-stocked, organised bar to support efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Processed cash transactions and operated point-of-sale systems accurately and efficiently.
Education
Applied Financial Management - Accounting/Business Management
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, GP01-2016
BSc Honours - Geology
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, WC01-2013
BSc Earth Sciences - Geology
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, WC01-2012
Skills
- Team Leadership & People Management
- Agribusiness & Farm Operations Management
- Crop Production & Yield Optimisation
- Livestock & Feedlot Operations
- Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination
- Financial Oversight & Budgeting
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
Accomplishments
- Drove the growth of the feedlot operation from R20 million to over R200 million annual turnover, scaling capacity from 500 to 7,000 head.
- Play a central role in the strategic direction and growth of a R600 million turnover business.
- Awarded a bursary to study BSc Honours in Geology.
- Finished second in the year for final year of BSc Earth Sciences.
- Headboy of St. Alban's College 2007.
- 1st XV Rugby Captain St. Alban's College 2007.
Additional Information
- English: First Language
- Afrikaans: Fluent
- isiZulu: Basic
Hobbies and interests
- Avid reader with a particular interest in history
- Enjoy staying active through sport — rugby, golf, and padel are regulars for me.
- Having grown up on a farm, I've always enjoyed the outdoors, and that same sense of energy carries through into my travels — I'm always keen for the next adventure.
Attributes
- Driven, adaptable, and steady under pressure.
- I take ownership of my work and push for results, not just completion.
- I'm equally effective in leading a team or working solo, and I bring the same energy to a boardroom presentation as I do to working on site.
- I adjust comfortably between office and outdoor settings.
- I hold honesty and integrity as non-negotiable, even when it's inconvenient.
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Operations Manager - Feedlot, Maize
Beestepan Boerdery(Pty)Ltd
08.2016 - Current
Geologist, Mining
Royal HaskoningDHV
05.2015 - 08.2016
Junior Geologist
Shango Solutions
01.2015 - 04.2015
Bartender
Sports Bar & Grill
02.2014 - 06.2014
Applied Financial Management - Accounting/Business Management
Wits Business School
BSc Honours - Geology
Stellenbosch University
BSc Earth Sciences - Geology
Stellenbosch University