Our client is looking for a Cropping Manager to join their team. They are a prominent family-owned farm in Zambia but on a Large Scale, dedicated to sustainable agriculture practices and community development. With a focus on crop production, they are committed to maximizing yields while promoting environmental stewardship and supporting local communities. As a Cropping Manager at our client's farm, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of crop production operations. Utilizing your extensive experience in large-scale farming and community-driven projects, you will lead a team to cultivate wheat, cover crops, soya, and maize, while ensuring optimal yields, quality, and sustainability.
Responsibilities:
Cropping Operations Management: Direct and oversee all cropping operations, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, pest and disease management, and harvesting, to ensure timely and efficient execution of tasks.
Team Leadership: Lead and manage a diverse team of farm workers, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance, morale, and safety standards.
Crop Planning and Rotation: Develop and implement crop plans and rotation schedules to optimize yields, soil health, and resource utilization, taking into account market demand and environmental factors.
Community Engagement: Collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to develop and implement community-driven projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and social development.
Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to maintain high standards of crop quality, consistency, and compliance with regulatory requirements and market specifications.
Budgeting and Cost Management: Prepare and manage cropping budgets, monitor expenses, and implement cost-effective practices to maximize profitability while ensuring sustainability and resource conservation.
Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise and advice on cropping techniques, agronomy best practices, and the use of modern farming technologies and equipment.
Environmental Sustainability: Promote and implement sustainable farming practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and water management strategies, to minimize environmental impact and enhance long-term sustainability.
Key Skills:
Proven experience in managing wheat, cover crops, soya, and maize production.
Strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals.
Knowledge of community engagement principles and experience in implementing community-driven projects.
Familiarity with Zambian agricultural practices, regulations, and market dynamics (advantageous).
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in agricultural software and technology tools for crop management and monitoring.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in cropping, with at least 5 years in a managerial role on a large-scale farm.