Job description
Africasia Seed Company Limited (Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda)
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Primary Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Arusha, Tanzania
Africasia Seed Company Limited’s vision is to bring affordable yet high performing germplasm to the African farmer. This enterprise was set-up by Dilip Gokhale, who had 40+ experience within the seeds industry and brought this vision to life in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Key operations are centered around sales of Hybrids and OPV varieties of vegetables and fruits. Current portfolio consists of seeds of watermelon, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, sweet pepper, eggplant, papaya, okra are sourced from selective companies/suppliers from around the world. In addition, OPV crops such as tomatoes, carrots, capsicums, cabbage and various local African varieties (Amaranthus, African cabbage etc.) are specifically grown and produced in Africa and/ or sourced from specific suppliers in various countries.
This position will have responsibility for the overall operations of the company for all 3 countries
Key Responsibilities
- Monitoring and increasing sales, receivables and cash flow
- Increasing market share and growth of the company
- Focus on Profitability in the short term followed by growth in key markets
- Managing and monitoring inventory (seeds, packing material) and turnover
- Working closely with management and setting up metrics and reports systems (there are already a few reports, which will need to be improved/adapted to align with growth ambitions)
- The incumbent will be based out of Nairobi and will require to travel within Kenya and to Tanzania and Uganda (Kenya and Uganda if based in Arusha) regularly to monitor the business in those countries
- Regular review of the budgets, targets, achievements and profitability.
- Reviewing the product portfolio and adding potentially high growth crops and reducing slow moving items; Identifying new varieties to be introduced based on needs of the African markets
- Develop managerial and people talent
- Set-up processes and protocols to measure and grow employee performance
- Engage legal support when necessary to ensure freedom to operate in these markets
Visa sponsorship is available for this position
Key requirements
- 15-20 years of experience in the Agricultural Industry
- 10+ years of Sales and Marketing experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Ag-Economics, Agronomy, or Accounting
- Master’s degree preferred
- 10+ years of managing people in managerial/ executive positions
- Multi-lingual preferred
- Knowledge of the African seed industry a plus
- Experience with working with the channel
