Business Planning & Investment Analyst (Processing Projects) at Olam Agri

Role Overview 

• We are seeking an experienced Business Planning & Investment Analyst to assess the technical, operational, and commercial viability of establishing a ground nut processing facility and developing a robust business plan for the proposed venture.
• The successful candidate will lead the project from concept to recommendation, covering market analysis, technical feasibility, financial modelling, risk assessment, and business plan development, and provide clear, data-driven recommendations on project viability and Execution. 

Key Responsibilities
Project & Market Assessment:

• Understand the proposed processing operation, products, raw material (ground nut), capacity, and target markets.
• Conduct market research covering demand, market size, pricing, competitors, customers, and market trends for groundnut oil.
• Assess potential sources and availability of ground nut.

Technical & Operational Feasibility:

• Assess the proposed processing technology and production process.
• Determine appropriate plant capacity and production configuration.
• Identify major processing equipment, machinery, utilities, infrastructure, and supporting facilities required.
• Develop preliminary process flow and production assumptions.
• Assess raw material requirements, yields, wastage, storage, logistics, and production efficiency.
• Identify potential equipment suppliers and obtain indicative equipment/capital cost information where appropriate.

Financial Feasibility & Business Planning:

• Develop detailed CAPEX and OPEX estimates.
• Establish revenue, pricing, and profitability assumptions.
• Build financial models, including cash flow projections, ROI, IRR, NPV, and sensitivity analyses.
• Identify key project risks and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare a comprehensive business plan and investment case.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Accounting (ICAN), Business Administration, Agribusiness, Industrial Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in feasibility studies, project development, investment analysis, business planning, or manufacturing/processing projects.
• Proven experience in processing or manufacturing projects is strongly preferred.
• Strong market research, financial modelling, and commercial analysis capabilities.
• Experience developing and evaluating equipment, construction, and operating cost estimates.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in the relevant [agricultural, food, oilseed, grain, ground nut cake etc.] processing industry will be an advantage.
• Experience working on projects in Nigeria and familiarity with local regulatory, infrastructure, sourcing, financing, and market conditions would also be advantageous

Key Deliverables:
The successful candidate will be expected to deliver:

• Comprehensive Feasibility Study Report
• Market & Competitor Analysis
• Technical and Operational Feasibility Assessment
• CAPEX & OPEX Estimates
• Financial Model and Investment Analysis
• Business Plan and Implementation Roadmap
• Project Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
• Go/No-Go Recommendation with Strategic Options