Head of Agriculture / Agriculture Director at SAO Group

SAO Group is one of Africa’s leading Social Impact Investment and Advisory firm operating exclusively in the agriculture sector across Africa, particularly in Nigeria. We are seeking to create positive economic impact and long-term value for private investors from the project planning to commissioning stage executed by carefully selected experts specific to each project and business unit within the Group.

We are a firm with a national and global outlook that focuses on the strategic development of transformational projects that create a sustainable economic impact for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Agriculture / Agriculture Director

Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-time

Job Description

• Do you have a passion for agriculture and a vision for building a thriving, sustainable future? 
• Are you a proven leader with the expertise to drive operational excellence across diverse agricultural sectors? If so, then SAO Agro, a subsidiary of the innovative SAO Group, wants to hear from you!
• As the Head of Agriculture, you will play a vital role in leading our team of over 50 employees and hundreds of dedicated workers.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute a comprehensive agricultural strategy aligned with SAO Agro’s vision and SAO Group’s overall goals.
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations for various agricultural projects, including production, processing, and sales within the framework of SAPZ (Special Agricultural Processing Zones).
• Implement best practices in sustainable agriculture to ensure efficient resource utilization, high-quality yields, and environmental responsibility.
• Lead a team of over 50 agricultural professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Drive profitability by optimizing resource allocation, cost control, and revenue generation strategies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, identify new technologies, and implement innovative practices that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Represent SAO Agro at presentations with agricultural agencies, actively seeking funding opportunities and grants for further agricultural development.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, suppliers, local communities, and investors.

Who You Are

• A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field; a master’s degree is a strong plus.
• A seasoned agricultural leader with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in managing diverse agricultural operations.
• Proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategic agricultural plans for profitability and growth.
• Strong understanding of sustainable farming practices and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Excellent financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and achieving financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a large team.
• Proficiency in agricultural software and data analysis tools (a plus).

Bonus Points:

• Experience working in the Nigerian agricultural sector, particularly with SAPZ projects.
• In-depth knowledge of specific crops/livestock relevant to SAO Agro’s focus areas.
• Experience in international agricultural markets or trade.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.