Agronomy Manager at Vert

Key Crops: Mangoes, pineapples, French beans, snow peas, sugarsnaps

About the Role

• Are you an experienced agronomy leader with a passion for sustainable agriculture and high-quality crop production? A fruits and Vegetable company based in Machakos is seeking a dynamic Agronomy Manager to oversee our agronomic operations, ensuring optimal yield, quality, and farmer engagement across fruits and vegetables for export, while ensuring compliance to international standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Coordination – Develop and execute agronomic plans, ensuring alignment with market demand and seasonal variations.
• Team Leadership – Manage and mentor a team of company agronomists, service providers, farm managers and technical assistants, fostering a high-performance culture in the agronomy department.
• Quality & Compliance – Ensure adherence to food safety (GlobalGAP, Organic, Fair Trade) and sustainability standards.
• Farmer Engagement – Recruit, train, and support outgrowers in best practices for yield and quality improvement.
•  Pest & Disease Management – Oversee integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for healthy crop production.
• Logistics & Operational Efficiency – Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely harvest and delivery.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive innovation in farming techniques, resource efficiency, and traceability.
• Communication – Coordinate all reporting in the agronomy department, including preparation of technical and operational reports, representing the department in management meetings and ensuring smooth running operations.
• Performance Management – Chart the way for the establishment and fulfillment of Key Performance Indicators in the Agronomy Department.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Crop Yield Optimization – Achieve target yields (tons/ha) for each crop.
• Quality & Safety – Maintain acceptable and measurable field rejection rate and 100% compliance.
• Farmer Success – Conduct training sessions, ensure ethical and technical compliance, and improve farmer profitability.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
• 10+ years in agronomy, with 5+ years in leadership, preferably in export-focused   production.
• Expertise in fruit & vegetable farming, IPM, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong team management, data analysis, and decision-making skills.
•  Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
•  Valid driver’s license and willingness to work directly in the field.

Why us?

• Lead impactful agronomic strategies for a growing export-focused business.
• Work with cutting-edge sustainable farming practices.
•  Competitive salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities.