FARM MANAGER – (Volta Region), Ghana
Position now closed for new applications.
Applications are welcomed from experienced Expatriates with a background in Organic farming and, specifically, the cultivation of Herbs.
This is a very specific role: You MUST possess the required skills and experience to be considered. Therefore, BEFORE submitting your CV, please read ALL the IMPORTANT details below to ensure you meet the criteria.
This position is open to all international applicants willing to relocate to Ghana (the costs of which will be covered by the client).
DWR has been retained to find a suitably qualified and experienced Farm Manager with extensive knowledge of organic farming and with particular experience of growing herbs (in addition to other plants, vegetables, fruits and roots).
OVERVIEW:
This is an on-site role based at my client’s farm located among the rural communities on the shores of the magnificent Lake Volta approximately two hours’ drive from Ghana’s capital, Accra. This is a single person posting, which will appeal to an outstanding and multi-talented individual from the agricultural sector, with the requisite experience, who is seeking a long-term and active role within an established, expanding and dynamic agro-processing organic farming operation. Furnished accommodation suited to life on a farm in a rural setting, and a vehicle are both provided as part of the employment package. The anticipated start date for this position is immediate to as soon as possible.
BACKGROUND:
An exciting and involved position, the successful applicant will play a vital and diverse hands-on role in continuing the development and expansion of the business on its current 245 acres of fertile farmland in its own unique tropical climate. Key to the farm’s historic and ongoing success is its dedication to chemical-free production methods and a responsible approach to a biodiverse and sustainable natural environment. They have come a long way since their launch in 2011 and are currently engaged in a managed growth plan. Their motivating goal to minimize the devastating impact that humans have on the environment while growing truly nutritional food and supporting nature’s own ability to thrive is central to their core beliefs. Globally recognised as leaders in the agri-sector as proponents in biocentric farming, the business uses an assortment of self-developed composts, bio-enhancers, and crop rotation practices, while banning pesticides and synthetic applications. They need therefore a Farm Manager with high personal and industry ethical standards, an unquestionable commitment to sustainable environmental practices, experience and devotion to organic production, and a love of Africa, her people and the positive impact that organic farming makes to the continent and to the world.
MAIN PURPOSES OF ROLE:
– Provide leadership and strategic direction for maximising all resources to meet and exceed set targets.
– Responsible for driving innovation and continuous improvement to ensure competitive advantage across the sector.
– Develop and implement strategic agenda to turn business into profit making unit.
– Oversee onsite managers, consultants and a workforce of between 100-150 to achieve agreed targets.
– Develop continuous process improvement methods to increase turnaround and product quality.
– Develop and manage processes to achieve all necessary international certifications for compliance and progress of the business.
– Analyse internal processes and recommend and implement procedural or policy changes to improve operations, quality control, administration, and day-to-day output.
– Ensure full compliance with all statutory legal, regulatory, and local community requirements.
– Carry out tasks to identify inefficiencies in staff and operations and recommend to the MD practical cost-effective steps for continuous improvement.
– Oversight responsibility for premises and facilities management.
– Oversee optimal stock/inventory levels of the farm and associated facilities.
– Undertake periodic audits and spot-checks to test integrity of systems and materials.
– Manage business records, documents and archives efficiently.
– Perform, on a continuous basis, business analysis to develop cost reduction strategies, scrutinize projects and budgets to establish priorities, ensure healthy financial operations and establish controls to prevent profit and production leakages.
– Plan, administer and control budgets for all units, contracts, equipment and supplies.
– Oversight responsibility for human resource planning and development, building a culture for appraising staff development and promotions, and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and best-practice policies, whilst providing training, coaching and development of staff for competency, self-worth and efficiency.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
This exceptional role requires an exceptional individual that possesses the following key skills and experience:
– Recognized qualification in Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Soil Science and/or related field.
– A record of proven and practical organic farming experience gained in a rural setting in Africa (preferably West Africa).
– Demonstrated appreciation of sustainable agricultural practices and how to implement them.
– At least 4 years’ direct experience of organic farming, a minimum 2 years of which at prominent leadership or management level.
– Experience in growing herbs (especially medicinal herbs), and other organic produce.
– Extensive experience of working with farmhands and strong people-management skills within the context of a busy and diverse farming landscape.
– Calm temperament, strong disposition, healthy and energetic (note the need for extensive periods of standing and walking should be expected, but with minimal lifting duties).
– Excellent English communication skills (written and oral).
– Patient and empathetic, you must possess a natural affinity with Africa, the environment and nature.
– Proven ability to work autonomously as well as part of a large and diverse team, to self-manage and execute on assigned responsibilities in a timely fashion and with conscientious attention to detail.
– Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.,).
– Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tightly defined deadlines.
– Appreciable exposure to living and working in (West) Africa within the agricultural space.
CONDITIONS:
This is an expatriate position, and the employment package will reflect the successful applicant’s experience accordingly. Details will be discussed at the client interview stage, but you can assume the salary to be competitive, attractive and commensurate with this kind of role and will include accommodation, relocation, vehicle, health insurance and other benefits. As a management position that carries a high degree of responsibility, it is a prerequisite that applicants possess the required skills and experience to be considered. PLEASE therefore do not apply unless you have the competencies specified and have a verifiable and solid background in herb and organic farming at the management level required.
Applications for this role will close by 26th February 2023. Although every effort is made to respond to all applicants, due to the volume of replies it is not always possible to do so. If you don’t receive a reply by the 1st March, then regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion. The start date is immediate to ASAP subject to notice periods as/if applicable.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
DWR does not discriminate in the acceptance or referral of candidates on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. By applying for this position, candidates agree to respect these standards and be observant of the internationally accepted guidelines governing equality and inclusiveness in the workplace aimed at eliminating racism, discrimination and hate speech throughout every level of society.
DWR Executive Search is appointed by the employing company as their Recruitment Service Provider for this position. The client’s name will remain confidential until the applicants have been shortlisted.
Candidates are encouraged to follow the DWR Executive Search Group Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwr-business-and-management-services/
Submit your CV to: [email protected]
DWR Expatriate & Executive Search – Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa
Email: [email protected] Website: www.UKGhana.com
Join the DWR Executive Group on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwr-business-and-management-services/
Connect with Dominic Ryan, Managing Director, DWR:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwr-business-and-management-services/