Senior Agronomist at Bridge Talent Management

Job Summary:

• Our client is a long established Agri business dealing in Horticultural Export of Vegetables and Flowers in
• Kenya. They run farms and pack houses across the country and have clients across the globe, including Europe and the Middle East.
• They are looking for a talented and driven individual to join as a Senior Agronomist for the Vegetable division.
• This is a critical role for the business as we continue to scale at pace. You’ll be working alongside our Chief Executive and Operations Manager to help move the business forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• PRODUCTION STRATEGY: The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing a growing strategy per product line aligned to customer demand. They must be strategic with the ability to think through the potential opportunities and risks to the growing strategy and be able to share this with senior management for potential solutions.
• FARMER MANAGEMENT: Recruit and maintain out growers’ farmers that are capable to consistently produce high quality and safe crops to meet the regional targets. Ensure that the recruited farmers are well inducted and trained in good agronomic practices and the company policies and procedures. Offer timely and consistent agricultural extension services to the farmers. Handle farmers complain and liaise with the relevant office to address the complaint.
• FARMER ADVISORY: Advise the company on the best seed variety in your region. To do this, regularly carry out seeds’ trials in your region. Scout for pests and diseases and make recommendations of the pesticide to use in-line with the company pesticide usage policy.
• HARVEST MANAGEMENT: Develop harvesting program in close consultation with the Agronomy Coordinator. Supervise post-harvest processes up to the time the harvested crop is loaded into the truck and ensure that the produce integrity and traceability is maintained.
• RECORD MANAGEMENT: Ensure farmers maintain updated records on production and crop management in line with good agricultural practices. Timely submit your weekly field monitoring and performance reports to the Operations Manager. Act as the custodian of all company records and documents in the assigned region.

Requirements

• A Minimum Diploma in agricultural related field.
• 6-7 years’ experience working including working with Out growers.
• Previous experience working with an exporter company is an added advantage.
• Demonstrable agronomic skills in growing fruits and vegetables.
• A preference for experience in growing sugar snaps and snow peas.

Other Competences:

• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Dedicated and highly motivated professional, with a strong spirit for teamwork and sense of initiative.
• Abilities to train farmers and peers and disseminate good agricultural practices and adoption thereof with emphasis on environmental sound practice.
• Abilities to use MS office suite.
• A highly organized individual with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrable creativity and a strategic thinker.
• Good leadership and managerial skills.

Other Requirement:

• Valid driving license