Location: Ruiru
Industry: Agriculture
Gross Salary: 80-120k plus benefits

Job Summary:

Our client in the agricultural industry is seeking a Field Operations Manager to oversee the expansion and management of fresh produce cultivated by both smallholder farmers and large-scale orchards.
This role will support the adoption of essential standards and compliance, including but not limited to Global Gap, GRASP, SMETA, EU Organic, and Fairtrade standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervision & Team Management: Oversee agronomists, farm supervisors, and field workers, providing guidance and control.
• Farmer Recruitment & Contracting: Recruit and contract small and large-scale farmers to meet targeted production volumes each season.
• Project Implementation: Lead the execution of ongoing and proposed projects within Mavuno’s farmer schemes, including permaculture, living wages, living incomes, and agroforestry.
• Production Enhancement: Increase fruit production and quality in orchards by advising farmers on best practices in pruning, composting, pest management, and disease control.
• Training & Certification: Equip producers with knowledge of organic farming principles and necessary certifications (Organic, Global Gap, GRASP, Fairtrade) through training sessions.
• Harvesting & Delivery Coordination: Organize fruit harvesting and ensure timely delivery to the packhouse.
• Farm Management: Manage the company’s farm operations efficiently.
• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate the company’s farmer development model and plans to farmers, stakeholders, and the public to promote the company’s vision.
• Representation: Represent the company in meetings and forums that advance the interests of avocado and other selected commodity value chains.
• Asset Management: Ensure proper control and maintenance of field inventories, equipment, and assets (e.g., vehicles, bikes).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science, Horticulture, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in fruit orchard management.
• Experience in training farmers and peers in good agricultural practices, emphasizing environmentally sound methods.
• Familiarity with Global Gap/GRASP or EU Organic standards in a busy farming environment.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in commercial-oriented schemes or large-scale farm enterprises is essential.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Highly organized and capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Goal-oriented self-starter with a passion for creating social economic impact among underserved producers.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willingness to travel extensively to growing sites.

How to apply

If you are up for the challenge and meet the necessary qualifications and experience, please send your CV with the job title (Field Operations Manager-Agriculture) in the email subject line to [email protected] before 24th January 2025.