Operations Manager at ITM Kenya Ltd

Experience & Qualifications 

• University degree in business administration, agribusiness or other relevant field
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in operational management, fleet management or agricultural value chain
• Experience in sales and marketing of agricultural mechanization services is a bonus
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Knowledgeable of farming technology, trends and best practices in the agriculture industry
• Proven track record in planning, implementing, and promoting farm mechanization projects
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, sense of commitment, attention to details and planning skills
• Hands on approach to work, with the ability to deliver on time in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment, with minimal or no supervision

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Language proficiency in English and Kiswahili; understanding of local tribe language is a plus
• Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective inter-personal and leadership skills with an ability to develop and foster relationships across a wide range of diverse and senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate and succeed in a highly political environment
• Strong analytical and management skills, including sound knowledge of strategic planning and project management tools
• Ability to use own initiative and actively look for opportunities to have an impact rather than simply be reactive
• A good understanding of how donor organizations operate
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel and PPT) and similar tools
• Self-motivated with the ability to drive innovation by challenging the status quo
• Experience of living and working in rural environment

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Manage mechanized business operations of the Company
• Effectively communicate business objectives to mechanized services staff

Develop and manage a framework to ensure performance targets are met, including in terms of planning and delivery of mechanized services, by:

• maintaining workplans, in collaboration with service delivery staff
• ensuring efficient data collection for monitoring and evaluation of activities
• Facilitate staff training in relation to operational policies and procedures and make sure those are followed
• Develop and maintain a capacity building training plan for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural techniques and improve rice quality standards, by ensuring they have access to training opportunities on those key topics

Human Resource Management

• Lead recruitment process of talent needed for delivery of mechanization services (i.e. mechanics, mechanic assistants, tractor and harvester operators, casual workers, operations assistants); and collaborate on recruitment process of talent needed for supporting roles
• Provide direction and leadership for mechanization staff with the objective to keep a low attrition rate
• Conduct regular performance evaluations of mechanization staff based on performance evaluation procedures and tools (in collaboration with HR/Admin Lead)
• Foster a positive and productive environment for the mechanization team

Budget Management

• Collaborate with relevant staff for proper financial planning and reporting on use of funds
• Ensure proper use of funds allocated to the mechanization department

Reporting and Accountability

• Develop and deliver progress reports and presentations as -and when- requested to Managing Director and/or Board of Directors;
• Develop recommendations based on lessons learned to guide future deployment / scaling of agricultural mechanization across rice schemes in Kenya
• Maintain transparency and accountability in all aspects of the work

Market Analysis

• Undertake continuous analysis of the existing situation in the rice farming regions (i.e. understanding farmers’ needs for machinery, equipment and agricultural services) in order to contribute useful input for refinement of business strategies
• Conduct market research to understand the competition
• Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and market conditions
• Identify opportunities for expansion and growth

Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain positive relationships with cooperatives and farmer groups in targeted rice schemes
• Nurture relationship with the National Irrigation Authority at the County level and at the national level, to ensure a strong link and optimal irrigation conditions for mechanized operations needed for successful planting and harvesting
• Manage relationships with external service providers (e.g. equipment and spare parts dealers, technology suppliers, technical consultants, etc.)
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across sectors for the success of the Company’s rice brand.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure that the Company complies with all relevant regulations and standards in the industry (e.g., regularly updating machinery business permits)

Corporate Social Responsibility

• Make sure that all mechanization activities implemented are in line with environmental, health and social standards
• In collaboration with other members of management, develop and implement a CSR program with emphasis on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and community engagement in the rice schemes.