Agronomist

Location: Mtwapa,

Gross Salary: Competitive

Our company is located in Mtwapa, Mombasa. We are in the business of processing pulp and concentrates/juices, and water for sale under the reputed brand. We are looking for an experienced Agronomist who will be responsible for fruits sourcing and ensure quality and quantity raw fruits for processing to ensure business growth and sustainability.

Job Summary:

• Support the management in the running of the Fruit Sourcing function and play a key role in Fruit procurement and quality sourcing of all fruits for quality products.
• Provide expertise in selecting suitable fruits varieties, implementing best agronomic practices and maximizing yield and quality while ensuring profitability and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with fruit farmers, providing technical support and guidance throughout the growing season as per GAP.
• Planning, developing and setting up procurement processes and systems to ensure consistent quality and reliable supply of various fruits throughout the year.
• Developing and sharing a harvesting and delivery plan with the management and other stakeholders on timely basis.
• Ensuring adherence to Food Safety regulations, quality assurance standards and industry best practices in fruits production and handling.
• Identifying opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction and performance improvement in field operations.
• Generating and maintaining detailed records regarding fields, farmers registration on the digital app, fruit production, harvest yields, quality metrics and operational performance.
• Preparing regular reports on key performance indicators, trends and insights for management review and decision making.
• Travelling across the country to build local teams and supplier network for effective and robust direct sourcing.
• Researching the competitors’ offerings to suppliers and staying up to date with competitor activities. 
• Developing better planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques, improving fruits yield, and solving problems for farmers.
• Training the farmers as per Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)/GLOBAL GAP and organic practices to increase productivity while minimizing resource inputs and environmental impact.
• Researching and promoting agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and pests for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Assisting in selecting appropriate crop varieties, optimizing planting techniques and implementing effective soil and nutrients management practices.
• Negotiate new supplier terms of business, delivery schedules, quantity discount structure.

Candidate Profile:

• Degree in Agronomy/Agriculture or related field, an MBA will be an added advantage.
• Good practices or previous experience as an agronomist.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience with at least three (3) years in fruits production & sourcing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communicate skills with ability to convey technical information.
• Proficiency with in MS Office, GIS mapping and agronomic modelling.
• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Holder of a valid Motor Cycle/Driving Licence
• Planning and organisational skills and attention to detail.