Commercial Agronomist at Brilliance Executive Management Consultancy

Job Description

Description:

Job Purpose

The Commercial Agronomist will be responsible for scaling the Company’s commercial grower network and providing effective training, management and support to optimize grower yields and crop deliveries to the company. The primary focus of the role will be commodity groundnuts production, but also will extend to commercial seed production as required. The job holder will also serve as an internal subject matter expert on groundnuts production and will lend support across the Company’s various production segments to develop and deliver training content, as well as building staff and grower capacity.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

Identify, screen and contract qualified growers into the network for seasonal production.
Host various marketing events such as field days, information sessions, etc. to spread awareness and recruit growers.
Support growers to develop comprehensive crop plans in line with best agronomic practices to optimize growth, maximize yield and maintain quality output.
Monitor crop growth and health throughout the growing season, identifying and addressing issues that may arise.
Conduct regular field inspections to ensure compliance with crop production standards and regulations.
Conduct yield estimates to feed into harvest and marketing plans.
Conduct training sessions and workshops for growers and farm workers on production techniques, agronomy principles and pest management strategies.
Coordinate with growers to ensure timely and efficient delivery of crop to the Company
Facilitate rental agreements and timely delivery of equipment such as lifters and harvesters at time of harvest.
Ensure crop deliveries adhere to parameters as set forth in grower contracts.
Coordinate with QC and processing to advise on any and all quality issues that may arise.
Liaise with processing, logistics and finance to ensure preparedness to receive grower deliveries and execute payment in accordance with contract terms.
Work with High Class Seed Manager to develop annual strategy and budget.
Maintain accurate records of field activities, crop inputs and production outcomes for grower network.
Use Farmer Engagement Application to track and produce reports on crop performance, yields and quality metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
Stay up-to-date on advancements in groundnut production technology,
Research and industry trends.
Participate in research trials and field experiments to evaluate

Primary Areas of Accountability:

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy or related field
Additional qualifications in groundnuts will be an asset.
Must have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in commercial legume production with a specialization in groundnuts is required.
Must have proven experience in growing patterns of legume especially groundnuts for Southern Africa,
Demonstrated experience managing an extensive grower network of varying sizes and technological sophistication.
Impeccable communication skills – ability to deliver clear and concise guidance at all stages of crop production, as well as the ability to comfortably engage with all on-farm support staff.
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to work with growers to ensure follow through on technical recommendations.
Ability to work in adverse conditions and perform physical tasks.
Valid driver’s license.

QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

If you meet the hiring requirements for the position, please email your CV in Ms Word and Cover Letter clearly stating your salary expectations to: [email protected] & Cc [email protected]

Note that, all communications will be kept in the strictest of confidence. If you do not receive communication within 21 working days of the closing date of the advert, please consider your application unsuccessful.

DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES AT THIS STAGE