Careers

JOB VACANCIES

 

POSITION: Estate Operations Manager. 

LOCATION: Lusikisiki , Eastern Cape, South Africa 

REFERENCE NUMBER: EOM-2024 

CLOSING DATE: 2024/09/03 

THE POSITION REQUIRIES: 

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, OR a degree  / advanced qualification in any of the following fields; Business Management /  Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Environmental  Sciences and Conservation.  

Proven experience in at least 3 of the following roles: – Estate Management /  Operations Management / Financial Management / Team Leadership / Sustainability  and Environmental Management / Business Management / Continuous Improvement  / Risk Management and with a minimum of 10 years in a leadership role within a tea  estate, agricultural or Food & Beverage enterprise.  

Demonstrated expertise in crop diversification, agricultural innovation, and sustainable  farming practices including, (familiarity with agricultural machinery and equipment,  irrigation systems, modern farming techniques, and in-depth knowledge of tea  cultivation, processing, and quality control practices). 

Strong analytical skills and business acumen to evaluate market opportunities, assess  financial viability, and make data-driven decisions including (sound financial acumen,  with the ability to develop and manage budgets, analyse financial data, and make  informed decisions). Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills,  with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

JOB SUMMARY 

The estate operations manager will oversee all aspects of tea production and explore  opportunities for innovation and diversification on unused land within the Magwa and  Majola estates. This role requires strong leadership skills, strategic vision, efficient,  effective and hands-on management, and an ability to work well with traditional  leadership, rural community, and stakeholders to optimize current operations and drive  future growth. 

TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Supervise and coordinate all activities related to tea cultivation, harvesting,  processing, packaging, and quality control. 
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and sustainable  practices in tea production. 
  • Optimize yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness through efficient resource  management and operational improvements. 
  • Assess the potential for diversifying crop production on unused land, considering  soil conditions, climate, market demand, and profitability. 
  • Develop and implement plans for crop and business diversification, including  feasibility studies, pilot projects, and production strategies. 
  • Explore opportunities for innovative agricultural practices, such as organic  farming, agroforestry, or specialty crops. 
  • Collaborate with senior management to develop long-term strategies and  business plans for the estate, aligned with organizational goals and market  trends. 
  • Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvements to enhance  productivity, efficiency, and sustainability through partnerships with institutions  such as CSIR and ARC. 
  • Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices  in agriculture to drive continuous improvement. 
  • Incorporate circular economy principles to promote sustainability, resource  efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

➢ Implement closed-loop farming systems to recycle nutrients and organic  matter within the estate. Integrate agroforestry practices to diversify crop  production, improve soil conservation and enhance biodiversity on the  estate. 

➢ Explore ways of extending life cycle of tea products and by-products by  developing value-added products from teal leaves, bark, and waste from  processed tea. 

➢ Foster partnerships with local suppliers and producers to create circular  supply chains, sourcing inputs locally and returning by-products or waste  back into the supply chain. 

➢ Lead and motivate a team of agricultural workers, supervisors, and support  staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability. 

  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to staff to build their skills and  capabilities in tea production, crop, and business diversification. 
  • Ensure a safe and inclusive work environment, promoting adherence to health,  safety, and environmental standards. 

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  • Establish and manage a good work environment driven by a high-performance  work culture. 
  • Assess and address health and safety risks associated with the estate’s  infrastructure, including asbestos-containing materials and outdated facilities. • Develop and implement plans to safely remove asbestos and modernize  facilities to meet health and safety standards. 
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair activities to ensure the safe and efficient  operation of estate buildings, machinery, and equipment. 
  • Ensure periodic asset evaluation, inventory development and management of  all assets. 
  • Assess and address health and safety risks associated with the estate’s  infrastructure, including asbestos-containing materials and outdated facilities. • Develop and implement plans to safely remove asbestos and modernize  facilities to meet health and safety standards. 
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair activities to ensure the safe and efficient  operation of estate buildings, machinery, and equipment. 
  • Ensure periodic asset evaluation, inventory development and management of  all assets. 
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and certifications  related to food safety, environmental protection, and occupational health. • Work towards obtaining food safety certification for the estate’s processing  facilities, implementing necessary improvements and procedures. • Liaise with regulatory agencies and external auditors to demonstrate compliance  and maintain certification status. 
  • Develop a long-term infrastructure improvement plan to address the estate’s  outdated facilities (including staff housing), machinery, and equipment. • Identify opportunities for modernization and automation to improve efficiency,  productivity, and safety in tea production and processing. 
  • Manage capital projects, budgeting, and procurement processes to implement  infrastructure upgrades and modernization initiatives. 
  • Build strong relationships, partnerships, and alliances with the community to  gain their trust and support. Mobilise resources, expertise and support for land  development projects and initiatives. Promote community development  initiatives that benefit the local population. 
  • Effectively communicate with government agencies and officials responsible for  overseeing the land. 
  • In situations where there are conflicting interests or disputes over the land,  facilitate dialogue, negotiate agreements, and find mutually acceptable  solutions. 
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with stakeholders to foster trust  and accountability in land management practices. Provide regular updates,  solicit feedback, and involve stakeholders in decision-making processes to  ensure transparency and accountability. 
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with land management, such as legal,  environmental, or social risks. Involve stakeholders in risk assessment and  management to minimise potential negative impacts and ensure responsible  land stewardship. 
  • Ensure that the traditional leadership and CPA are kept informed with all the  plans and developments of MET.

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BENEFITS: 

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience. 
  • Opportunity for professional development and career advancement in a dynamic  and growing organization. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume,  cover letter, and salary expectations to [email protected] 

Date of issue: 14 August 2024 

Closing date: 03 September 2024 @16:00 

Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

 

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