General Manager at African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

Position Summary

The General Manager will oversee and manage all business operations, people and ventures of a medium scale company involved in delivery of mechanization services and sale of agro-inputs in Nigeria. The General Manager will be responsible for improving profitability and efficiency while managing the company’s overall operations. He/She will oversee several elements in the business, including hiring and managing staff, overseeing operating budgets, and launching promotion and other strategies for business growth. The position will have responsibility for the development and implementation of the company’s strategic plan, building and maintaining an effective management team, engagement with key stakeholders, and assume full accountability to the Board for all company operations.

Key responsibilities

• Presiding over the day-to-day operations at the Company.
• Develop and implement the strategic growth and operational plan to achieve overall revenue and volume targets in the different states as set out by the board of directors.
• Provide strategic advice to the board of directors.
• Seek and develop relationship with relevant Agric business owners with a view to harnessing businesses from there
• Seek new businesses and develop strategic partnerships with similar agric businesses
• P&L Management - deliver financial targets (net sales, gross profit, SG&A, Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), and free cash flow)
• Implement an effective credit management strategy to support sustainable growth of the business.
• Lead and be accountable for business planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes.
• Lead a multifunctional team in developing and executing appropriate go-to-market approaches to achieve complementary commercial and social goals.
• Attract, develop, manage, lead, and inspire a team to ensure consistent high performance, growth and retention of talent, and succession planning for key leadership and high impact roles.
• Build effective relationships, maintain trust and partnerships with key business partners.
• Serve as the custodian of company policies and lead in ensuring compliance to all business and related risk management measures.
• Measure and leverage on data-driven competitive and market information (competition actions, market trends, satisfaction levels, commercial acceptance and regulatory issues).
• Build, maintain, and leverage relationships with key external stakeholders including state and federal government agencies, regulators, farmer cooperatives, distribution partners, social partners.
• Engage and provide technical advice to Agridrive Ltd clients regarding mechanization services and Agronomy.

Requirements, Skills and experience

• Proven experience as a General Manager or similar executive role.
• Experience in planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of business process and functions (finance, HR, procurement, operations etc.)
• Strong analytical ability.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance measures.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding organizational and leadership skills.
• Problem-solving aptitude.
• At least a Master’s degree in agriculture/Agronomy/Agricultuiral Economics/business management/administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or related discipline.
• Proven ability in providing technical support to farmers/farm establishments.
• Ten (10) years of progressive, senior level experience in business management gained in a reputable national or international organization, preferably in an agricultural environment.
• Strong private sector experience and in-depth knowledge of the Agricultural Sector.