Overall, Job Purpose

• The successful candidate will be responsible for farming systems, crop production performance of farm and all farm assets (which may include surrounding communities and non-cane areas) and will be responsible for ensuring the adoption and embedding of best Agricultural practices. The operational performance ensuring the highest possible cane quality and farming productivity, whilst optimizing crop volume and yield at the lowest possible cost as well as develop farm plans that ensure long-term growth, development, and sustainability.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage Magobbo Cane Grower trust (MCGT) as a profitable business unit ensuring compliance to local legal business legislation.
• Manage all farming activities, timing and quality standards related to cane production.
• Ensure all assets within the farm (which may include farm infrastructure and non-cane areas) are  maintained to meet local legal standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationship with neighbouring villages and farms, where relevant.
• Develop, implement, and manage farm resource and activity plans.
• Develop, monitor farm budgets, and implement cost reduction measures to ensure budget adherence.
• Ensure adherence to harvesting schedule and crop estimate, and accurate reports submitted on time.
• Secure materials and other farm inputs
• Ensure that the disciplinary code is adhered to.
• Ensure farm activity data is captured accurately and consistently.
• Foster and manage amicable neighbour relations and farm boundaries.
• Ensure labour is recruited in line with farm plan and approve farm input data for monthly payroll.
• Implement and monitor continuous improvement practices by driving best work practices and ensuring that tools and techniques are applied to deliver high cane quality to optimise business profitability.
• Develop and oversee effective talent and performance management system, developing skills within teams through on-the-job coaching.
• Conduct on the job training and instruction on various operations, and identify new training needs where appropriate.
• Identify and monitor KPIs and balanced scorecards, track performance and flag any issues.
• Manage fire and security risks.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies, and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Qualification And Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree / Diploma in Agriculture / Agricultural Development / Agricultural Engineering
• 3+ years’ experience in sugar cane agriculture,
• Good business acumen and agricultural expertise, with ability to anticipate, interpret and respond to changes impacting on functional area.
• Member of the Agriculture Institute of Zambia (AIZ).
• Strong data analysis skills
• Grade 12 Certificate with atleast credits in five subject including Science, Maths and English.
• Zambian National with Green national Registration Card and Must be 18 years and above.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Good business acumen and agricultural expertise, with ability to anticipate, interpret and respond to changes impacting on the Business.
• Strong data analysis skills
• Effective communication and report writing skills.
• Competent in Microsoft packages