Head of Agriculture Operations 253 views

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced personnel to fill the above-mentioned position.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Drives vertical and horizontal agricultural growth strategies for the agricultural divisions.

• Determining the annual plough out and replanting programmes, based on yield history and potential, ratoon status, P&D loading, drainage issues, etc.

• Accelerates the adoption of new sugarcane varieties and determines the optimal variety ratios for the respective operations based on the outcomes of trials, yield maximisation, latest agronomic data and crop P&D patterns.

• Together with the appropriate research and/or specialist extension, develops and implements robust policies and systems to maximise cane quality, and mitigate P&D threats and prevalence (specifically Ratoon Stunting Disease and/or Yellow Sugarcane Aphid infestation), as well as seed cane production, management and planning (including outgrower requirements).

• Champions the adoption of new technologies and migration towards precision agriculture, including the upgrading of energy and water efficient irrigation systems, mechanization, use of ripeners, as well as data-driven management information systems (e.g. Cane Pro).

• Implementing appropriate systems and controls to effectively manage and measure the scarce water resource (demand, supply and application); similarly optimize power supply utilization.

• Implementing appropriate agricultural disciplines to ensure crop nutrition/protection, soil and/or animal health and breed genetics are aligned with best management practices.

• Ensures effective teamwork, self-management and alignment with company values.

Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum of BSc in a relevant Agricultural discipline

• Minimum of ten years’ senior management experience in commercial agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural projects and/or support, with experience in sugarcane agriculture an advantage.

• Sound understanding of best practice in agriculture as well as land tenure arrangements.

• Demonstrable working knowledge of sugarcane agronomy/husbandry and various irrigation systems is preferable.

• Exposure to and understanding of the broader operations of the sugar industry, including research and P&D is preferable.