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: jobs@thehillcityconsulting.com when sending email, use job title as subject line.


Application Deadline: Friday 12th May, 2017.