Job description

About Kakuzi

Kakuzi PLC is a listed Kenyan agricultural company trading on both the Nairobi and London Stock Exchange engaging in the cultivation, processing and marketing of avocados, blueberries, macadamia, tea, livestock and commercial forestry.

They operate in two separate locations in Kenya; their main operation and Head Office is based at Makuyu and their tea estates are situated in Nandi Hills.

Kakuzi PLC values integrity and respects the dignity and well-being of all stakeholders and the community. There is a focus on continuous improvement and corporate values amongst which are Openness, Fairness, Professionalism, and Consistency, these provide a strong foundation for all their activities. Clear policies and guidelines on Corporate Governance; Health & Safety; Environmental Management; Training; the Management of the Community; and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) guide all practices. Amongst many of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the Company proactively supports 2,000 avocado small holders.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Technical Manager (TM) will be responsible for the management of the Technical Department which performs various functions including; undertaking agronomic research, managing the agricultural data collection for all the crops, managing the food safety accreditations and running the environmental sustainability programs for the Company.

The role holder will be highly numerate but also have the ability to impart their knowledge in a clear, logical and concise manner. They will be guided by data and keen to undertake practical ‘farm-level’ research to demonstrate the benefits of different agronomic techniques.

The Technical Manager must be self-motivated and also able to work within a team. They must also be open to new ideas, willing to investigate and test accepted practices. 

Key Responsibilities:

Agronomic Research

• Undertake agronomic research on integrated pest management, product label extensions, canopy management and irrigation trials as well as look at agri-tech opportunities with the use of optical imagery.
• Use the outcomes of these trials to provide advice to the business to improve overall production.

Production Audits

• Kakuzi has a number of production audits for the macadamia and avocado departments, these included Global GAP, FSSC and RFA. The Technical Manager will manage the compliance process and will work closely with the departmental heads during pre-audits and the audit phases.
• This role will also include taking and managing food safety samples.

Data Collection

• Collect data for all the crops and creating a usable management information system is a key role. This data will extend from yields to soil and leaf analysis as well as ensure that the field history information, such as fertilizer and chemical applications are always up to date.

Sustainability Reporting and Environmental Management

• Measure the Company’s carbon footprint and provide advice on how best reductions in electricity, fuel, water and waste can be operationalized within the business.
• Environmental enhancement is key to their operations and as such the Company undertakes many interventions. Having control over these and enhancing these interventions further is an important part of the role.

Agriculture Technology

• The Technical Manager will be the project lead in understanding Ag-Tech opportunities for the Company and undertake any collaborations or feasibility studies to allow decisions to be made.
• This will include looking at the use of drones with specific optics to determine pest and disease pressures, fertility or water limitations.

Does this sound like you?

• At least 5 years agricultural experience with specific reference to agronomy, technological innovation and computing skills. 
• A management track record, preferably within the plantation, horticultural or food processing sectors. Understanding of product certification codes is an added advantage.
• Solid background in training and on-the-job coaching to enhance the level of competency of staff.
• Previous experience managing and developing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders including Government departments, suppliers and contractors adhering to company policies.
• Strong report writing as well as data analysis skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Persons of all gender, race, sex, orientation, age, and identity are encouraged to apply.