Operations Manager-Kirinyaga at Green Earth

What You’ll Be Doing

Our projects depend on strong smallholder execution. This role is responsible for building and running the outgrower system that underpins everything we do.

You will translate project design into field reality.

• Design and implement scalable outgrower / smallholder program structures
• Build and manage farmer onboarding, registration, and engagement processes
• Organize farmers into clusters, cooperatives, or lead-farmer networks
• Manage field teams (extension officers, agronomists, local partners)
• Ensure consistent implementation of agricultural and land-use practices
• Monitor farmer performance, participation, and retention
• Identify and mitigate delivery risks early (non-performance, low survival, drop-off)
• Work closely with carbon, data, and project teams to ensure alignment between field execution and project requirements
• Improve traceability, discipline, and accountability across the farmer network

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Build and scale a high-performing outgrower system across project regions
• Take ownership of farmer network performance and delivery outcomes
• Establish clear processes for onboarding, training, and monitoring
• Lead and develop local field teams and implementation partners
• Ensure operational consistency across multiple geographies
• Maintain strong relationships with farmer groups and community stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement of field operations and program design

Who We’re Looking For

This is not an entry-level role. We are looking for experienced professionals who have built or managed real-world smallholder or outgrower systems.

• Proven experience in outgrower schemes, contract farming, agroforestry, or rural development programs
• Strong track record managing large farmer networks (ideally 1,000+ farmers)
• Hands-on field experience—this is not a desk-based strategy role
• Experience managing and scaling field teams
• Strong operational mindset with a focus on execution and delivery
• Ability to work in complex, fast-moving environments
• Comfortable taking ownership and solving problems independently
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Benefits

Competitive Growth Opportunity

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role as the program scales
• Exposure to large-scale international projects

Real-World Impact

• Direct involvement in land restoration and nature-based projects
• Work with smallholder farmers and local communities
• See tangible outcomes of your work on the ground

A Flexible & Performance-Driven Environment

• Work with a highly driven, international team
• High ownership, low bureaucracy
• Flexibility in how you operate—as long as you deliver