The Organization
Our client is a leading tea producer and exporter in Uganda. Her 3 tea and coffee estates are all situated within a 75km radius of Kampala, and cover over 2,500 Ha with 1,250 Ha developed under Tea, 400 Ha under forestry, 400 Ha under Coffee, and the balance under matooke and cocoa all grown on a commercial scale. The organization runs a modern coffee factory situated at Luwala estate near Jinja city.
From our coffee farms, the company is one of the largest growers of Robusta coffee in Uganda. With a modern state-of-the-art coffee processing factory, the company is on course to become a major player in the processing and export of coffee in Uganda.
The position and key responsibilities
Reporting to the General Manager, the Estate Manager will be responsible for overall estate operations, including Coffee, Tea, and Forestry. They will manage the resources of the estate implementing policies and practices to ensure the Estate operates effectively and efficiently.
The Estate Manager will also be responsible for the implementation of applicable agronomic and field management best practices with regard to production in all field crops (Coffee, Tea, and Forestry).
The Estate Manager’s key focus areas will include:
1. Overall field operations management of Coffee, Tea & Forestry
2. Financial planning, execution, and reporting
3. Workforce planning and management
The position is based at the Estate – about thirty (30) kilometers from Kampala City. Key responsibilities include:
1. Field Operations Management at the Estate
a) Managing the entire field operations (Coffee, Tea & Forestry).
b) Managing the use of soil and crop science to maximize the sustainable returns possible.
c) Organizing the continued clonal (and seed) nursery development to meet in-filling programs/requirements driven by sustainable agricultural Coffee and Tea practices.
d) Implementation of other field operations - including pruning/stumping and weeding.
e) Managing the efficiency of the application of fertilizer regimes and submitting periodic production reports.
f) Conducting improvements in fertilizer and soil pH adjustments for commercial production.
g) Managing field equipment and implements to ensure optimum utilisation and provide periodic field equipment performance reports.
h) Conducting forestry audits and providing advice on eucalyptus forestry maintenance practices.
i) Planning for eucalyptus tree plantation felling programs.
j) Managing all estate issues of staff, administration, reporting, CSR, and community relations.
k) Ensuring field policies (and practices) are in line with relevant Occupational Health and Safety, Labour, and Environmental regulations.
l) Overseeing the timely (and accurate) collection of data and reports on weather, production yields, and quality.
2. Financial Planning and Reporting for the Estate
a) Carrying out periodic estate-level cost analysis and reviewing with a view of optimizing costs.
b) Ensuring timely preparation and submission of the Estate's annual budget.
c) Drawing up and managing the estate budget that is in tandem with the company’s strategies as well as monitoring estate performance against those budgets.
d) Presenting field and financial performance review reports to the General Manager and following up on the implementation of agreed action plans.
e) Ensuring the productive and cost-effective operation of all estate/company assets.
f) Maintaining adequate estate-level systems of internal controls needed to safeguard assets and comply with policies and procedures.
3. Manpower Planning & Management of workers at the Estate
a) Maintaining sound relations with all staff and ensuring adherence to company policies and regulations.
b) Continuous development of subordinates through training and on-the-job coaching to enhance the level of competence of staff.
4. Production Management at the Estate
a) Implementing a production management strategy for Coffee, Tea, and Forestry to improve current production.
b) Overseeing the development and maintenance of Coffee and Tea to ensure quality and volume of production to at least industry standards.
Qualifications and experience
i. A BSc in Agriculture or related discipline.
ii. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Coffee or Tea or Horticulture or Other crops.
iii. A proven management track record, preferably within a commercial coffee plantation and knowledge of fundamental and practical agricultural practices (specifically for coffee).
iv. Basic financial management and internal control skills
v. Good communication skills (both verbal and written).
vi. A high degree of integrity and honesty
vii. Excellent planning and organisation skills
viii. Ability to use computers (and technology) to increase efficiency in farm management
ix. Must possess high personnel management skills.
This is a 2-year contract tenure to start as soon as possible.