Operations Manager - Nairobi

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Operational Oversight

• Manage mechanized business operations of the Company
• Effectively communicate business objectives to mechanized services staff
• Develop and manage a framework to ensure performance targets are met, including in terms of planning and delivery of mechanized services, by: 
  • maintaining workplans, in collaboration with service delivery staff
  • ensuring efficient data collection for monitoring and evaluation of activities
• Facilitate staff training in relation to operational policies and procedures and make sure those are followed
• Develop and maintain a capacity building training plan for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural techniques and improve rice quality standards, by ensuring they have access to training opportunities on those key topics 

2. Human Resource Management
3. Lead recruitment process of talent needed for delivery of mechanization services (i.e. mechanics, mechanic assistants, tractor and harvester operators, casual workers, operations assistants); and collaborate on recruitment process of talent needed for supporting roles
4. Provide direction and leadership for mechanization staff with the objective to keep a low attrition rate
5. Conduct regular performance evaluations of mechanization staff based on performance evaluation procedures and tools (in collaboration with HR/Admin Lead)

• Foster a positive and productive environment for the mechanization team

3. Budget Management

• Collaborate with relevant staff for proper financial planning and reporting on use of funds
• Ensure proper use of funds allocated to the mechanization department

4. Reporting and Accountability

• Develop and deliver progress reports and presentations as -and when- requested to Managing Director and/or Board of Directors; 
• Develop recommendations based on lessons learned to guide future deployment / scaling of agricultural mechanization across rice schemes in Kenya
• Maintain transparency and accountability in all aspects of the work

5. Market Analysis

• Undertake continuous analysis of the existing situation in the rice farming regions (i.e. understanding farmers’ needs for machinery, equipment and agricultural services) in order to contribute useful input for refinement of business strategies
• Conduct market research to understand the competition
• Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and market conditions
• Identify opportunities for expansion and growth

6. Stakeholder Relations
7. Build and maintain positive relationships with cooperatives and farmer groups in targeted rice schemes 
8. Nurture relationship with the National Irrigation Authority at the County level and at the national level, to ensure a strong link and optimal irrigation conditions for mechanized operations needed for successful planting and harvesting
9. Manage relationships with external service providers (e.g. equipment and spare parts dealers, technology suppliers, technical consultants, etc.)
10. Collaborate closely with stakeholders across sectors for the success of the Company’s rice brand.

7. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure that the Company complies with all relevant regulations and standards in the industry (e.g., regularly updating machinery business permits)

8. Corporate Social Responsibility 

• Make sure that all mechanization activities implemented are in line with environmental, health and social standards

In collaboration with other members of management, develop and implement a CSR program with emphasis on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and community engagement in the rice schemes