Farm Manager - Solio, Laikipia

Location: Solio, Laikipia

Position Overview

The Farm Manager role encompasses a diverse set of responsibilities aimed at driving strategic growth and operational excellence. The Farm Manager is responsible for the profit and loss (P&L) of the farm and success will be judged on this basis. This pivotal role involves formulating and executing the farm's strategic plan, including market research, business development and innovation in crop management practices. The Farm Manager will oversee budgeting, procurement and compliance with industry regulations among other roles that may be directed from time to time to achieve production targets while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the Profit and Loss of the farm

Maximum, sustained revenue through a planting program that meets business and agronomy criteria, including:

● Maximizing revenue through a combination of high value crops, at high yields.

● Reducing costs through efficient use of inputs, labor, sprays and a lean team

● Creation and implementation of farm budgets.

● Pest and disease management

2. Implement and spearhead farm’s strategic plan

A comprehensive, clearly articulated planting program, which includes:

● Agronomic and business rationale for each crop.

● A clear visual calendar, at the block level, of all on-farm activities.

● Implement proper fertigation plan.

-Spearhead land work, planting, pest and disease control, feeding/ fertilization, irrigation, crop husbandry, harvesting /Post harvest

3. Search markets for the farm produce

Contracts, preferably:

● With reputable buyers

● Negotiated as farmgate prices

● In USD, EU or currency besides KES

4. Leadership / communication and Supervision

Effectively convey the farm's goals, priorities, and operational strategies to all team members.

Foster a culture of alignment and accountability.

Encourage innovation and collaboration.

Proper supervision of the production team.

Maintain good stakeholder relations.

5. Research and introduce new crops

Diversified crop portfolio with high yields.

Identify and trial new crop varieties suitable for local conditions.

Conduct feasibility studies on crop diversification. Optimize crop rotation & intercropping strategies.

6. Obtain and maintain appropriate certifications and licenses

Develop and implement sustainable farming practices.

Monitor soil health, water usage and waste management.

Be Audit ready at all times.

Working & Personal Characteristics

● Technical knowledge in crop protection /fertigation, crop production, post-harvest handling, and marketing trends.

● Must have 8-10 years experience in an agricultural related field.

● Must have a degree or diploma in an agricultural related field or equivalent.

● Knowledge in environmental management regulations.

● Knowledge on codes of practices / organizations the firm is accredited to such as Global GAP.

● Knowledge of farm management principles.

● Basics on personnel management, farm engineering and accounting.

● Ability to lead a team and ensure productivity.

● Problem solving ability and keen to details.

● Confidentiality and Integrity.

● Ability to deliver on set targets and meet deadlines.

● Good communication skills both oral and written.

Key Performance Indicators

● Farm is profitable on a quarterly and annual basis

● Farm is meeting set production targets

● Successful implementation of strategic initiatives, evidenced by achievement of production targets, cost efficiencies, and business growth.

● Have a diverse roster of good buyers across products. “Good” means they pay a competitive price, on time, ideally for large volumes.

● New market penetration.

● The team is well informed, and can independently answer questions from management on the annual planting program.

● Effective execution of tasks based on the set plan.

● Successful cultivation and market introduction of new crops. Increased farm productivity and resilience to market fluctuations.

● Compliance with industry standards, certifications, and environmental impact assessments.

● Improved soil fertility and biodiversity.

● Minimal environmental impact from farm operations.