VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
CHIEF MANAGER – TEA OPERATIONS
One of our clients, a tea operations company based in Rwanda, is looking for a suitably qualified, proactive and organized individual to take up the role of Chief Manager - Tea Operations. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in effectively managing various aspects of tea cultivation and small holder development whilst upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance with relevant certification standards.
Key Responsibilities include:
Strategic Planning and Team Leadership:
- Develop comprehensive work plans and budgets for tea field activities such as planting, pruning, and harvesting with the aim of maximizing production within good agricultural practices.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of all field activities.
- Recruit, develop, and retain agricultural extension agents, providing necessary training and support.
- Lead and manage the field team to achieve set deliverables and maximize green leaf quality and production.
- Engage with key stakeholders, including local government, farmers, and factory company, to foster collaboration and support project objectives.
Operational Management:
- Manage the day to day business operations of the company including all financial and human resources matters.
- In liaison with the relevant internal and external authorities, ensure compliance with relevant certification standards, company policies & procedures and statutory regulations.
- Recruit, train, and support smallholder farmers, actively driving the business expansion program.
- Foster strong relationships with current and new farmers, providing extension advice and promoting good agricultural practices.
- Plan, develop, and monitor nursery activities to ensure a steady supply of healthy tea seedlings in accordance with the business expansion program.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to field operations and farmer activities.
- Ensure timely, effective and efficient procurement, distribution and utilization of farm inputs and maintain accurate records of all field operations.
- Ensure all company contractors operate within laid down company procedures.
- Manage all the transport logistics and be accountable for the delivery of the best quality of green leaf from the farms to the factory.
- Timely prepare and submit relevant tea field operation reports.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science, Production Technology, or any other related agricultural field.
- At least ten (10) years progressive work experience in related areas out of which three (3) should be in managing a farm, plantation, tea industry or production unit at a senior management level.
- Direct experience engaging with stakeholders and small holders in an agricultural setup.
- Proven practical agronomic and senior management experience with a reputable tea firm.
- Good knowledge of tea certification standards and processes
- Ability to work under pressure and with minimum supervision.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluency in both Kinyarwanda and English is preferred.
This position is open for Rwandan nationals only
Applicants are required to email their detailed CV, covering letter, and contact with at least 2 referees via the apply button by 10th May 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.