Primary Objectives:
To provide a professional interface between the Company and Growers, through delivering a transparent and honest relationship with growers, with a focus on securing new supply.
Assist growers to improve orchard performance by optimizing production, while operating and maintaining the assets in a professional manner comparable to best industry practices.
Responsible and accountable for the safety, financial performance, people production, stewardship and operation of the post-harvest facilities and fruit quality stewardship through to delivery to the marketer.
Ensuring the packed Avocados is managed for quality in a timely manner, to meet the contractual load out commitments between the company and industry suppliers.
Responsibilities:
Actively seek out and develop relationships with potential new growers to deliver targeted value and quality produce to the business.
Maintain an active public presence to positively promote the Company to the growers.
Proactively obtain grower commitment and signing to supply contract.
Actively seek out orchard lease or management contract opportunities.
Interfacing the organizations Pest Monitoring policy & information with growers.
Manage/facilitate the relationship between Post Harvest, Picking Contractors and the Grower.
Facilitate the reporting of results to the grower in a timely manner.
Proactively look for opportunities to add additional value to growers.
Proactively deal with grower issues, queries or referrals from Grower Information Services.
Formalize the short, medium and long term goals and strategic plan for each orchard.
Target production for the season.
To supply and manage comprehensive orchard budgets that are updated monthly with monthly reports of expenditure.
These reports cover work carried out on orchard, updates on fruit/bud counts and any new developments applicable to the orchard owners.
Key Performance Measurements:
Management and retention of key staff.
Retention and growth of business
Achievement of quality yield
Standard and quality of workmanship and image/appearance of orchards
H & S implementation and audit results both in the pack house and on orchard.
Fruit storage performance
Pack house budgets and labor costs achieved
To supply orchard owners with comprehensive budgets.
Contribution to Company financial results.
Qualifications
BSc. Degree in agricultural sciences or food sciences.
Masters or MBA preferred added advantage.
2-3 years’ progressive experience in a similar role
Strong oral and written communication skills
People management & retention of key resources.
Good knowledge of the Orchids locations in Kenya.
