Operations Manager at Illaj Farm Input and Mechanization Limited

Illaj Farm Input and Mechanization Limited is a comprehensive provider of agricultural input services dedicated to supporting farmers and agricultural enterprises. The company specializes in supplying a broad range of products and services essential for modern farming operations. These include high-quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other crop protection chemicals. Additionally, the company offers advanced agricultural technologies, such as precision farming tools, irrigation systems, and farm machinery, designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Kaduna
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We seek an experienced Operations Manager to oversee our day-to-day operations, ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality, and drive business growth in the farm inputs and mechanical industry.
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in operations management, excellent leadership and management skills, and a deep understanding of the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Capacity development and knowledge management for enhancing market-oriented agriculture for smallholder farmers.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of operations, including; logistics, quality control, stores, inventory and supply chain management
• Optimise logistics operations, leveraging route optimisation, warehousing strategies, and distribution to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of inputs and services to customers.
• Implement lean operating principles and continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of operational excellence, waste reduction, and continuous optimisation across all functions.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality
• Manage and lead a team of operations professionals, providing guidance, training, and mentorship to ensure exceptional performance
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies
• Maintain a risk register for the supply chain in projects and prepare mitigating actions.
• Use supply chain information systems to analyze and select data to prepare management information
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales and marketing, product development, and customer service, to drive business results.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental policies.
• Collaborate with other managers to develop and implement cross-functional initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Ensure that vehicle fleet management routines are established and maintained, including appropriate management of drivers/operators.
• Ensure that there is an efficient system in place for the monitoring of fuel purchase and consumption, services and repairs for vehicles and other machines (engines) and that the system is scrupulously applied and reviewed.
• Oversee the whole supply chain management and to ensure it is implemented in an effective, efficient, compliant, and value-for-money manner.
• Ensure procurement plans are regularly reviewed, consolidated, and analyzed for more effective procurement planning.
• Ensure preparation of Operations Budget in line with developmental goals to ensure consistency in profitability and growth for the Company
• Implement and maintain the factory operations strategies to deliver the customer service objectives working functionally with Project Management/Commercial
• Ensure that items/ product produced by the production team always meet quality standards
• Monitor products standards at various levels of production and at the point of release so that cost of rework is reduced /eliminated
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPI) and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Mobilize farmers into groups for the delivery of extension services.
• Identify farmers’ needs and provide responses as appropriate.
• Carry out agronomic demonstrations, training, or exposure of farmers to best agronomic practices.
• Conduct in-field training sessions on the correct use and application of fertilizers and crop protection products.
• Knowledge and Skills Acquisition:
• The position requires a degree in Agricultural, Operation Management or a related field, with a minimum of 6 years of proven experience in Operations management
• Strong knowledge of the farm inputs and mechanical industry, including market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity
• Excellent operational management skills, including strategic planning, process improvement, and performance analysis
• Ability to analyze data, identify insights, and develop actionable recommendations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP software, and operational management platforms
• Strong leadership and management skills, including team management, performance coaching, and talent development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including presentation, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Attention to detail, analytical abilities, and adaptability are also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Requirements

• A Degree in Agricultural Science, Production Management or a related field
• Master's Degree in any relevant field of study is an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least 6 years of Operations management experience in the Agricultural or Operations industry or any other related industries.
• Proven track record of optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and achieving operational targets.

Application Closing Date
30th June, 2024.