Blue Chip Employer – the job is not based in Harare.
This role reports to the Operations Director.
Role:
The primary function is to provide leadership and management of the Agricultural division, with the key strategic objectives of improving productivity and crop husbandry practices by increasing volumes, quality, enhancing yields, and agricultural systems cost-effectively and sustainably; as well as lead strategic diversification initiatives. The General Manager is responsible for the financial and operational optimization of the agricultural division, through the implementation of best crop husbandry practices, appropriate controls and capacity and accountability, which enable production to be delivered within budget and in a cost competitive manner at acceptable quality standards.
Strategic Planning and Alignment:
- Assumes responsibility for developing and implementing the Estates Agricultural division’s annual strategy and business plan, aligned to Company targets and objectives. This includes setting the annual cropping plan and detailed estimate, as well as human and capital resource allocations.
Agricultural Growth and Crop Management:
Drives vertical and horizontal agricultural growth strategies for the Agricultural division, with particular emphasis on:
- Determining the annual plough out and replanting programmes, based on yield history and potential, ratoon status, pests & diseases loading, drainage issues, etc.
- Approving the annual plough out programme to sustain high yields in line with business priorities and needs
- Accelerating the adoption of new varieties and determining the optimal variety ratios for the respective operations based on the outcomes of trials, yield maximisation, latest agronomic data and crop pests and diseases patterns.
Technology and Precision Agriculture:
- 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
Resource Management and Optimization:
- Implements appropriate systems and controls to effectively manage and measure the scarce water resource (demand, supply and application); similarly optimize power supply utilization.
- Implements appropriate agricultural disciplines to ensure crop nutrition/protection and soil health which are aligned with best management practices.
- Financial and Operational optimization of the agricultural division, and ensuring the maximization of synergies.
Mechanization and Fleet Strategy:
- Develops the company’s mechanization and machinery strategies, including the optimal combination of insourcing vs. outsourcing against a backdrop of the requirement to replenish the existing antiquated agricultural fleet and minimization of Burn-Harvest-To-Crush delays.
- Recommends replacement of transport fleet (cranes, tractors, buses, trucks and bakkies) and based on cash flow availability.
Diversification and Enterprise Development:
- Leads the agricultural diversification initiatives by determining alternative enterprises with appropriate business development and commercial value proposition.
- Systems, Structures and Accountability:
- Ensures that the right financial and management information systems, capacities, structures and accountabilities are in place across the various agricultural functions.
- Motivates for agricultural division Capex and Opex, including associated financial feasibilities.
- Leads the budgeting and operational review disciplines of the various department/sections under the agricultural division.
Organizational Design and Talent Management:
- Assumes responsibility for setting the organization structures for the agricultural division and leading the recruiting of appropriately qualified and experienced talent.
- Takes responsibility for effective implementation of success management in the division and performance management of all direct reports, focusing on all aspects of sound people management, including goal setting and performance evaluation thereof.
- Ensures effective teamwork, self-management and alignment with company values
Qualifications
- Minimum of BSc in a relevant Agricultural discipline.
- Minimum of ten years’ senior management experience in commercial agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural projects and/or support,
- Sound understanding of best practice in agriculture as well as land tenure arrangements.
Email CV in Word format and provide your current salary and benefits details to:
Mirriam Dzapasi – mirriam@valcol.co.zw
Colin Roberts – colin@valcol.co.zw