AGRI-BUSINESS MANAGER/GENERAL MANAGER

A large diversified corporate group is looking for Agri-business Manager to lead and further develop the agribusiness unit for the group of companies. This is a brand new role in the group and requires someone who can assist in making the agribusiness unit a success. The ideal candidate must be dynamic with vast experience and knowledge in dairy farming, horticulture and general agriculture. A “jack of all trades” individual is required with knowledge and experience across all agricultural crops and animal husbandry practices. This person needs to be a strong leader, energetic, highly strategic, entrepreneurial, and dynamic and be comfortable in a boardroom and on the farms.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, coordinate, organize and lead the day to day operations of the farms.

• Drive the formulation and implementation of operational strategy designed to grow business for all farms.

• Supervision, guidance and mentorship for the current Farm Managers ensuring a strong performance management culture across all the farms.

• Driving the increase in yields, quality and ensuring that all budgets are exceeded and maximum profitability is achieved.

• Assisting on group procurement for farm materials, consumables, equipment and ensuring that all costs are contained.

• Assisting the Farm Managers in planning, training, budgeting & preparing cash flows.

• Assisting the Farm Managers on sales, marketing and ensuring that the company gets maximum value from farm produce.

• Developing and assisting the head office team on creation of business plans for new projects and/ new ventures.

• Identifying various opportunities on the export and local markets for farm produce. Monitor and stay abreast of agricultural best practices, trends and events to ensure improvement, competitive position and advantage

• Ensuring export compliance and protocols are in place.

• Lead, coach and mentor staff on their goals and objectives and ensure alignment on Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all the farms.

Qualifications And Experience

The ideal Candidate must possess the following;

• A Diploma/Degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness Management, Horticulture from reputable college or university.

• A certificate in management a distinct advantage.

• At least 5 years relevant experience in senior management preferably in an export oriented horticultural cropping set up.

• Proactive and entrepreneurial individual with ability to analyse problems and formulate practical solutions with a bias towards best practise.

• Knowledge of financial and human resources management is required.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently with a high concern for order and quality.