Nationwide Recruitment for Regional Head, Farm Operations in an Agric-tech company

The Hill City Consulting Limited - Our client, an Agric-tech company is a platform that give Nigerians the opportunity to participate in Agriculture by connecting farm sponsors with real farmers for the purpose of producing high-quality farm produce. Its mandate is to empower rural farmers, contribute to food security in Nigeria and provide a healthy means of engaging people with Agriculture from a profit driven perspective.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Regional Head, Farm Operations

Job Location: Nationwide 
Job Type: Contract-based
Contract Duration: 2 years (Minimum)

Work Coverage

• The successful candidate is expected to visit and supervise farm activities in areas of company's interest in different parts of the country.
• The successful candidate will operate from his/her present location (Home-based) , but will be required to visit the client's corporate Head Office (in Lagos) regularly for meetings, briefings etc.

Job Summary

• The Regional Head Farm Operations will be responsible for all farm operations located in the South-West part of the Country. The role requires a reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, self-motivated professional who is always prepared to be a “hands on” practical farm manager when required.
• The Regional Head will be managing a combined team of Technical Field Specialists, Farm Supervisors, Farm Extension Workers and also the Farmers.
• The Regional Head is to ensure applicable Management expertise; Regional Managers are to encourage and develop their team (through exposure to new knowledge, information, skills, inputs and processes to improve the long term performance of their farm operations).
• The Regional Head, Farm Operations reports to the VP, Operations and the CEO.

Duties and Responsibilities 
Farm Management:

• To co-ordinate management of all farm operations within the region. This will include but not limited to Crop production for Cassava, Maize & Rice; and also livestock farming
• Perform long and short term project management to optimize farm profit and minimize loss
• Coordinate financial and physical performance of the farm
• Successful implementation of short and long term business plans in cooperation with the management team and ground staff
• Assign duties such as cultivation, irrigation, or harvesting of crops and equipment maintenance
• Manage seed acreage contract allocations to farmers
• Confer with VP, Operations to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides or cultivating techniques
• Confer with VP Operations in making Operational Decisions
• Land management of cropping systems, nutrients, pests, tillage and other resources
• To increase yield by variety selection and soil improvement practices
• Active involvement in Selection of Farm lands, Soil tests etc
• Co-ordinate an integrated pest management system
• Develop a cost effective and environmentally sound method of enhancing yields
• Evaluate quality of Farm Produce to ensure that the right techniques and agric input are used in order to produce yield that meet the ‘Off-taker (s)’ criteria for the Farm Produce
• Monitor and oversee construction of irrigation systems
• Active involvement in establishing Sales & ‘Off-taking’ partnerships with Organisations that will be willing to buy off Company’s Farm Produce
• Liaise with for an on behalf of the company with Government and Non-Governmental Organisations, Institutions in order

People Management:

• To create a stable Project Farms workforce by providing leadership for effective management of the staff and operations of the region.
• To design effective man-power/workforce plans for all Farm project sites
• To provide coaching and training on developing production management programmes which will enhance profitability
• Maintain the Farm Projects’ evaluation program, measuring for effectiveness and productivity of operation areas. Prepare reports as assigned.
• Facilitate Training programs; Develop and Deliver appropriate training to both Farm Managers and Farm Extension Workers; Coordinate training needs assessment
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Set-up agreed KPIs for the region and ensure targets are achieved
• Financial Reports on all Farming activities
• Compile and Control Yearly Budgets for the region
• Maintain regular communication with the Farm Managers and the Farm Extension workers
• Liaise and interact with Farmers’ co-operatives/ Farming communities located within the region
• Investigate grievances and settle disputes to maintain harmony among farm workforce

Selection Criteria 
Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture is required; a Masters’ degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in agricultural processes and farms operations with focus on grain production.
• Must be able to provide evidence on a previous farm project/research work in agriculture with reference from the farm management about a successful out-come on such farms
• Must have knowledge of Irrigation Farming
• Must have expertise knowledge of all or some of the following crops; Maize, Rice, Cassava, Tomato and other crop/livestock peculiar/common to the region.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions and solve problems
• Effective leader and team-player receptive to feedback and willing to learn new things and share knowledge and skills; embracing continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational and negotiating skills
• Willingness to Travel
• Must demonstrate ownership of an Agric. Support Network
• Must belong to a Professional Body (Group) that is related/affiliated to Agriculture
• Must have access to Federal (State) Ministries and or Parastatals which are responsible for Agriculture (Products, Equipment and otherwise).

Salary
Ranges between N3,600,000 to N4,800,000 per annum.

Closing Date
Friday 12th May, 2017.

Apply Here
Interested and qualified candidates should send a type - written cover letter specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised, along with their current CV to: jobs@thehillcityconsulting.com when sending email, use job title as subject line.

Note

• Only qualified candidates will be contacted for the interview.
• Our Client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
• E-mails received without the appropriate subject line and Cover Letter will not be considered