CEO/MD (Rubber Plantation) at Stresert Services Limited

Job purpose

• The CEO/Managing Director will provide strategic leadership, operational direction, and financial stewardship our client. The role is responsible for driving business turnaround, strengthening governance structures, and leading capital raising initiatives to reposition the organization for sustainable growth and profitability.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership & business transformation

• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership to reposition the organization for growth and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and execute a clear turnaround strategy addressing operational inefficiencies, workforce challenges, and structural gaps.
• Drive alignment between Board expectations and management execution.
• Establish and embed a performance-driven culture across the organization.

Financial leadership & fund raising

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy, including budgeting, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
• Drive capital raising initiatives through engagement with banks, investors, development finance institutions, and other funding sources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders and financial stakeholders.
• Ensure prudent financial management, debt restructuring (where applicable), and improved liquidity position.
• Provide credible financial leadership that inspires confidence among investors and lenders.

Governance, structure & organizational development

• Establish a clear organizational structure with defined reporting lines and accountability.
• Strengthen corporate governance practices and ensure compliance with regulatory and Board requirements.
• Oversee the development and implementation of HR frameworks, including performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
• Promote transparency, professionalism, and ethical standards across the organization.

People & culture management

• Build a high-performing leadership team and strengthen management capability across all levels.
• Drive employee engagement, improve morale, and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
• Ensure alignment of workforce capability with business needs through effective talent management.

Stakeholder management

• Act as the primary liaison between the Board, management, employees, financial institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates and strategic insights to the Board on business performance and risks.
• Represent the organization in industry, regulatory, and investor engagements.

Risk management & compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Strengthen internal controls, security systems, and compliance frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to all legal, regulatory, and environmental standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth and profitability improvement
• Successful capital raising and debt management
• Workforce productivity and engagement levels
• Implementation of governance and growth structures
• Reduction in operational losses and leakages
• Improvement in infrastructure and workplace standards

Qualifications & experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage).
• Strong preference for candidates with a finance background (e.g., ACA, FCA,ACCA, CFA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 12–15 years’ experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in raising funds, managing financial institutions, and leading financial strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead business transformation or turnaround initiatives.
• Experience in the agriculture or plantation sector is an advantage, but not mandatory.

Key competencies

• Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness
• Strategic thinking and execution capability
• Leadership and team-building skills
• Stakeholder management and negotiation skills
• Operational excellence and problem-solving ability
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Ability to drive change in complex environments

Personal attributes

• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
• Resilient and adaptable in challenging environments
• High level of credibility and executive presence
• Strong decision-making capability under pressure