Current Job at Hill City Consulting Limited for a Farm Operations, Regional Head


The Hill City Consulting Limited - Our client, an Agric-tech company is a platform that give Nigerians the opportunity to participate in Agriculture by connecting farm sponsors with real farmers for the purpose of producing high-quality farm produce. Its mandate is to empower rural farmers, contribute to food security in Nigeria and provide a healthy means of engaging people with Agriculture from a profit driven perspective. We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Regional Head, Farm Operations Location: Nationwide Job Type: Contract-based Contract Duration: 2 years (Minimum) Work Coverage

  • The successful candidate is expected to visit and supervise farm activities in areas of company's interest in different parts of the country.
  • The successful candidate will operate from his/her present location (Home-based) , but will be required to visit the client's corporate Head Office (in Lagos) regularly for meetings, briefings etc.
Job Summary
  • The Regional Head Farm Operations will be responsible for all farm operations located in the South-West part of the Country. The role requires a reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, self-motivated professional who is always prepared to be a “hands on” practical farm manager when required.
  • The Regional Head will be managing a combined team of Technical Field Specialists, Farm Supervisors, Farm Extension Workers and also the Farmers.
  • The Regional Head is to ensure applicable Management expertise; Regional Managers are to encourage and develop their team (through exposure to new knowledge, information, skills, inputs and processes to improve the long term performance of their farm operations).
  • The Regional Head, Farm Operations reports to the VP, Operations and the CEO.
Duties and Responsibilities Farm Management:
  • To co-ordinate management of all farm operations within the region. This will include but not limited to Crop production for Cassava, Maize & Rice; and also livestock farming
  • Perform long and short term project management to optimize farm profit and minimize loss
  • Coordinate financial and physical performance of the farm
  • Successful implementation of short and long term business plans in cooperation with the management team and ground staff
  • Assign duties such as cultivation, irrigation, or harvesting of crops and equipment maintenance
  • Manage seed acreage contract allocations to farmers
  • Confer with VP, Operations to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides or cultivating techniques
  • Confer with VP Operations in making Operational Decisions
  • Land management of cropping systems, nutrients, pests, tillage and other resources
  • To increase yield by variety selection and soil improvement practices
  • Active involvement in Selection of Farm lands, Soil tests etc
  • Co-ordinate an integrated pest management system
  • Develop a cost effective and environmentally sound method of enhancing yields
  • Evaluate quality of Farm Produce to ensure that the right techniques and agric input are used in order to produce yield that meet the ‘Off-taker (s)’ criteria for the Farm Produce
  • Monitor and oversee construction of irrigation systems
  • Active involvement in establishing Sales & ‘Off-taking’ partnerships with Organisations that will be willing to buy off Company’s Farm Produce
  • Liaise with for an on behalf of the company with Government and Non-Governmental Organisations, Institutions in order
People Management:
  • To create a stable Project Farms workforce by providing leadership for effective management of the staff and operations of the region.
  • To design effective man-power/workforce plans for all Farm project sites
  • To provide coaching and training on developing production management programmes which will enhance profitability
  • Maintain the Farm Projects’ evaluation program, measuring for effectiveness and productivity of operation areas. Prepare reports as assigned.
  • Facilitate Training programs; Develop and Deliver appropriate training to both Farm Managers and Farm Extension Workers; Coordinate training needs assessment
  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Set-up agreed KPIs for the region and ensure targets are achieved
  • Financial Reports on all Farming activities
  • Compile and Control Yearly Budgets for the region
  • Maintain regular communication with the Farm Managers and the Farm Extension workers
  • Liaise and interact with Farmers’ co-operatives/ Farming communities located within the region
  • Investigate grievances and settle disputes to maintain harmony among farm workforce
Selection Criteria Required Qualifications:
  • A Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture is required; a Masters’ degree is preferred.
  • At least 10 years of hands-on experience in agricultural processes and farms operations with focus on grain production.
  • Must be able to provide evidence on a previous farm project/research work in agriculture with reference from the farm management about a successful out-come on such farms
  • Must have knowledge of Irrigation Farming
  • Must have expertise knowledge of all or some of the following crops; Maize, Rice, Cassava, Tomato and other crop/livestock peculiar/common to the region.
Competencies:
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions and solve problems
  • Effective leader and team-player receptive to feedback and willing to learn new things and share knowledge and skills; embracing continuous improvement
  • Excellent organizational and negotiating skills
  • Willingness to Travel
  • Must demonstrate ownership of an Agric. Support Network
  • Must belong to a Professional Body (Group) that is related/affiliated to Agriculture
  • Must have access to Federal (State) Ministries and or Parastatals which are responsible for Agriculture (Products, Equipment and otherwise).
Remuneration  Ranges between N3,600,000 to N4,800,000 per annum. Note
  • Only qualified candidates will be contacted for the interview.
  • Our Client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
  • E-mails received without the appropriate subject line and Cover Letter will not be considered
How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send a type - written cover letter specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised, along with their current CV to: [email protected] when sending email, use job title as subject line. Application Deadline: Friday 12th May, 2017.