Hail & Cotton (Malawi) Limited
CAREER OPPORTUNITY – AGRONOMY PRODUCTION MANAGER
HAIL & COTTON (Malawi) LIMITED, a fully owned subsidiary of HAIL & COTTON International B.V. based in Netherlands, a company that supplies premium leaf tobacco and value-added services to manufacturers of tobacco products worldwide, is urgently looking for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Agronomy Production Manager.
The main purpose of the position
The Agronomy Production Manager will be responsible for execution of tobacco production strategies on the ground to guarantee supply security for the company and farmers retention and transformation through efficiencies in the supply chain and at farmer level. The Incumbent’s additional responsibilities will include managing and guiding the production team of HAIL & COTTON (Malawi) LIMITED and reinforce Sustainable Tobacco Production by implementing GAP, Best Practices and compliance with ESG Standards as required by the company and its customers.
This position requires the ability to think strategically with analytical capabilities of using data as basis for strategic and technical decision making.
Key Responsibilities
- Contracts, monitors, categorizes farmers for tobacco growing according to GAP guidelines.
- Guides and directs the Agronomy team with support of the Leaf operations in all GAP pillars-related matters to ensure constant improvements of Production Yields, Quality Index and Product Integrity that meets customer requirements.
- Engages with other Hail & Cotton key functions and external groups within his/her jurisdictions to ensure that an awareness of the various agricultural programs exists and that program objectives are agreed to by all stakeholders.
- Assess training needs and plans accordingly farmers awareness and trainings needs.
- Facilitates periodic GAP assessments (audits) of all production areas according to plan, provide guidance and follow-up to ensure corrective actions are appropriate and effectively completed.
- Performs various roles in development of STP framework and facilitates data collection for cost of production determination.
- Develops the training materials for both farmers and Leaf Technicians aligned to the crop calendar (Seed to Delivery).
- Supports the Agronomy Management team in the development of Agronomy annual strategic plans and budgets by providing valuable data and information.
- Provides Agronomy budget reviews on expenditures and identifies areas of improvement as part of cost management and continuous improvements.
- Develops and establishes grower contracting criteria that supports the company strategy to minimize risks.
- Supervises, oversees, and monitors the Registration of Farmers and the distribution of inputs and records reconciliation thereafter, to make sure that all inputs are distributed on time and in the right quantity.
- Coordinates movement of tobacco bales from farm gate to sales floor through coordination with farmers and transporters association.
- Monitors daily sales of tobacco and recovery of farm inputs advanced to farmers.
- Coordinates the implementation of forestry programmes/initiatives and forestry extension service deliveries in the area.
- Provides technical guidance to all field technical staff to ensure yield targets are met, Product Integrity, Quality Index and Crop Throw are achieved.
- Ensures that the EHS standards and guidelines are adhered to by all field personnel.
- Prepares OpEx and CapEx budgets for their tobacco growing region.
- Manages all agronomy social responsibility projects and advises management on possible areas of SRP that need to be addressed.
- Develops and implements the action plans and strategies to address company’s key areas of opportunities for improvement with regard to agronomy SRP projects.
- Develops agronomy strategies for the area and manages company’s costs and resources effectively.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from a recognized University.
- In-depth tobacco industry knowledge with solid experience in agronomy operations with at least five years of experience in Sustainable Tobacco Production in compliance with ESG protocols.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
- Good computer literacy; highly proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Power Point, Excel, Word, etc.) and data analysis packages.
- Transformative leadership and management skills and be able to motivate others.
- Ability to adapt easily to different cultures and conditions and capable to work as a team member to get the desired results with a can-do attitude.
- Awareness of industry trends, technology.
- Should be open to new ideas to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Must be principled and uphold the image and reputation of the organization and can deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
- Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions, versatile, flexible, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
- Ability to work independently and as a team player. Must be proactive and work under minimum supervision and meet strict deadlines as required by management and customers.
Remuneration
An attractive package will be offered to the successful candidates.
Method Of Application
Applications with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of certificates, and names and contact details of three traceable and reputable referees should reach the undersigned no later than Friday, 17th June 2024.
The Human Resources Manager
HAIL & COTTON (Malawi) LIMITED
P.O. Box 40214
Kanengo
LILONGWE 4
Email: [email protected]
Please clearly mark on the envelope/email ‘Agronomy Production Manager’
HAIL & COTTON is an equal opportunity employer, however, only short-listed applicants who meet the above specifications will be contacted regarding interviews.