General Manager – Farming Operations at Olam International

Olam International is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 19,800 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a sourcing network of an estimated 4.8 million farmers.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: General Manager – Farming Operations

Location: Nigeria

Job Description

• The Incumbent would be responsible in managing a large scale, fully mechanized farming operation preferably in rice, The Project cultivates two crops of 4,400 ha per year, under flooded conditions, which are delivered to an onsite company owned Rice Mill.
• The Job resposibilities would alos include Overseeing  farming operations. This is headed by a Farming Head and 6 Assistant Farm Managers.  Managing and Overseeing overall Mechanical operations.

Key Deliverables
Strategic Effectiveness:

• Oversee overall administration departments and functions, including the procurement department, Human resources
• Handle farming operations – Preferably have a good understanding of wetland rice production, Understand soil chemistry and be able to interpret soil and leaf analyses.
• Developing the annual R&D projects in order to enhance the ability of achieving yields in excess of 6 mt/ha, twice annually.
• Timely acquisition of spares and ensuring that pre and post season maintenance is carried out within the prescribed time frame and to the required standard in order that optimum availability is achieved at the lowest cost.

Operational Effectiveness

• Farming Operations:
  • He/She would culture and maintain relationships with external Rice Agronomists, Rice Breeders and other specialist consultants in weed control and soil management.
  • Preferably have a good understanding of wetland rice production.
  • Understand soil chemistry and be able to interpret soil and leaf analyses.
  • Understand the pests and diseases associated with rice.
  • Understand water management in rice.
  • Assist in developing the annual R&D projects in order to enhance the ability of achieving yields in excess of 6 mt/ha, twice annually.
• Financial, Administration and other farm related activities:
  • Oversee the annual zero-based departmental budget construction.
  • Timeously advise the financial controller and Vice President of any anticipated deviations to plans and the budget.
  • Oversee all administration departments and functions, including the procurement department.
  • Oversee the HR department.
  • Oversee the Security Department with the help of the Chief Security Officer to ensure that employees and assets are kept safe.
  • Maintain a healthy relationship with External Stakeholders, Government, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police and Local Community Chiefs and the community.
• Oversee Aircraft operations
  • The aircraft are used for Seeding, applying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers.
  • Monitoring the status of the runway and support equipment to ensure that they do not impede on the operations of the aircraft.
• Machine shop managed by a qualified fitter and turner that also manages all field equipment.

Organizational Effectiveness
Requirements:

• He/She should be in possession of either a BSC degree in Agriculture or an Agricultural Diploma from a recognized Agricultural institute
• He/She would be a person with sound practical farming experience and a love for machinery, which calls for a person with a strong mechanical aptitude.
• He/She would be a sensitive person with strong leadership abilities in order to lead, motivate and mentor a team of talented multinational Managers who would be reporting to him.
• Out of the box thinker and finds solutions to challenges presented by circumstances that arise.
• Have a keen eye for neatness and build on an image of a world-class operation.
• Have a keenness for nature conservation.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.