Agribusiness ESG Manager at British American Tobacco (BAT)

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

• The incumbent will review data collected by field staff through the Farmer Sustainability Monitoring (FSM) application and GIS, with weekly follow-up on any issues arising.
• On a biweekly basis, the incumbent will provide the Head of Leaf (HOL) with reports highlighting issues requiring prompt action, including detailed action plans. They will liaise with Area Leaf Managers and Senior Leaf Technicians on the quality of data collected, identify shortfalls in targeted records for the period, and compile information from data and surveys conducted from time to time to maintain well-documented STP (Sustainable Tobacco Programme) records.
• The role will coordinate and follow up on afforestation activities in the region, ensuring both quality and quantity of tree seedlings are met by contractors, and oversee implementation of afforestation programmes with partners and farmers.
• The incumbent will act as the point of contact for leaf engagement and escalation to Legal and External Affairs for resolution. They will also be a key contact in managing relationships with county governments and local administrations, ensuring no negative reputation or legislation arises without company input through public participation.
• The role includes managing all BAT Kenya leaf land property, ensuring proper records of lease documents and related engagements.
• The incumbent will advise the Head of Leaf on all farmer sustainability initiatives and lead corporate social investment (CSI/R) initiatives within the Leaf sub-function.
• The Leaf department is responsible for ensuring that the cigarette business of British American Tobacco achieves competitive advantage in quality, security of supply, and cost of packed tobacco.
• This role ensures that information gathered, analysed, and reported for leaf growing and sustainability initiatives is accurate, reliable, and suitable for business decision-making. All information must be properly maintained and accessible for reference.

Internal

• Support the Leaf Growing Manager and ALMs on GIS and STP matters
• Support GLT managers on sustainability and CSI matters
• Liaise with Legal & External Affairs (LEX) on external matters

External

• Manage land and property within leaf growing areas
• Manage relationships with county governments

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operations / Professional / Business

• Analyse FSM & GIS data and generate required information as per STP criteria
• Maintain STP documents in line with record management procedures and support STP initiatives
• Maintain up-to-date records and status of all afforestation activities and programmes with partners
• Oversee management of designated BROA sites and rehabilitation sites in collaboration with partners
• Oversee proper functioning of farmer societies, ensuring good governance practices
• Implement Thrive projects

Management

• Coordinate FSM and GIS data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Coordinate day-to-day filing of STP-related records
• Coordinate and collate afforestation reports across regions, ensuring seedling production is monitored, specified tree species are distributed, and accountability in distribution and sales is maintained
• Maintain accurate records and budgets for conservation site activities, ensuring adherence to activity calendars
• Coordinate land-related meetings with the National Land Commission and county land departments
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder meetings related to leaf operations in conjunction with Legal & External Affairs
• Represent Leaf Sustainability in Leaf Leadership meetings, ensuring clear communication of sustainability matters and seeking approvals for project spending
• Coordinate implementation of Thrive projects in leaf growing areas
• Manage alternative fuel suppliers and ensure SLA targets are achieved

Leadership

• Provide guidance to Leaf growing teams on effective data collection and survey methods
• Lead monitoring of STP programmes through sampling, staff assignment, and unannounced field verification visits
• Drive STP action plans, ensuring monthly activities are completed and reported
• Lead development of corporate social initiatives in liaison with area sustainability managers

Relationship

• Maintain strong and collaborative relationships within Leaf growing and extension teams
• Work closely with the Leaf Growing Manager, IT department, and Leaf Administration Manager to ensure coordinated STP implementation
• Collaborate with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to implement STP actions and risk assessments
• Work with Legal & External Affairs to address land, engagement, sustainability, and CSI/R matters
• Engage county governments and local administration to prevent negative publicity and resolve issues amicably

Innovation

• Develop communication materials that effectively promote the STP agenda
• Proactively review processes to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement
• Explore alternative techniques and products to reduce cost of production (COP)

Key Success Factors

• Strong problem-solving skills and teamwork
• Proactive engagement to deliver business objectives

Education / Qualifications / Experience Required

• Degree in Agriculture or related discipline with basic understanding of tobacco agronomy
• Proficiency in computer skills (MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical skills using spreadsheets and databases
• Good communication and instruction skills
• Strong record-keeping ability

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes