Seed Operations Manager - Timau

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Job Location: Timau

Overall

Our client is an industry leader in the field of Conservation Agriculture, working with broadacre non-irrigated farmers in Kenya. In order to provide farmers with a broad crop portfolio of adapted high performing varieties, our client has developed strong variety trialing and registration capabilities. Recently, this has been complemented through a strategic partnership with a leading global seed company. 

We are looking for an experienced Seed Operations Manager to join our team to develop commercial operations around our product pipelines. Together with the leadership team, he/she will have the opportunity to shape the future of a seed company that centers around the farmers it aims to serve

Reporting Lines

The Seed Operations Manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer. They will work closely with the Agronomist and Trials Team.

Job summary:

The Seed Operations Manager role is an important management position with overall responsibility for;

1. Operations Lead

a. Management of the Seed Company and leadership of its team

b. To grow, improve and expand the Seed Company substantially.

c. Budgeting of company activities

d. Oversee seed processing and storage infrastructural design and construction.

e. Along with existing team members, maintain and manage all required statutory body relationships.

f. To assist in improving operating procedures and processes and improve efficiencies of processing operations.

2. Portfolio Management

a. Long-term seed demand forecasting and production planning

b. Management of seed contracts, supervision of production and harvesting.

c. Importation of seed where required

d. Alignment with product development on product strategy

3. Business Development

a. Manage and grow seed sales and offtake

b. Build business cases around target crops

c. Oversee market research and develop sales channels

d. Administer strategic partnerships and identification of key customer

4. Process Digitalization and Management

a. Design and build out quality assurance and monitoring system

b. Build warehouse and stock management system

c. Develop SOPs for post harvest cleaning and treatment for all seed crops

• Commercial experience, with a track record of working in a commercial decision-making environment
• Hands-on practical experience in a working farm environment or an agricultural or seed company

Qualifications Needed

A Bachelors or Higher degree in Agriculture or Natural Sciences is mandatory

Location

The job would be based in Timau with frequent travel to seed and trial sites.

Level

The role is a level 7 or above