Supply Chain and Operations Manager at Sahel Capital

Job Description

• A start-up foundation seed company is commencing operations in Kaduna, Nigeria with the production of foundation seed for hybrid maize production for seed companies in West Africa and is seeking a Supply Chain and Operations Manager.
• The vision of the company is to be recognized as West Africa’s most reliable source of high-quality foundation seeds.
• The Supply Chain and Operations Manager will be responsible for managing production, processing, and distribution activities of the company.
• The Supply Chain and Operations Manager will report to the Managing Director. The position will be based in Kaduna but will involve travel across the different locations of operation of the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure field production is done in both a timely and effective manner.
• Coordinate recruitment of out-growers and the implementation of the company’s field production plan.
• Ensure adherence to phytosanitary, regulatory, and quality requirements and that shipment of seed made do not contravene country or international regulations or best practices.
• Develop systems and operations processes, including timely reporting of any issues that may impact business plans.
• Design and implement quality assurance and control procedures with relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all critical processes.
• Manage inventory (including storage and transport) to optimize working capital deployment and maintain seed quality.
• Liaise with regulators and testing stations to provide independent certification with respect to foundation seed quality parameters and ensure the required documentation is issued.
• Liaise with the sources of breeder seed/research institutes to ensure sufficient seed quantities are available in a timely manner and that agreements are in place to meet the company’s production plan.
• Develop planning and logistics systems and processes that integrate with the company finance system.
• Procure, install, and operate seed processing equipment at company sites.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled, dispatched, and invoiced in a timely manner.
• Ensure the companies HSEQ rules and procedures are established and fully implemented.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Master's Degree in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in managing seed production.
• Deep experience of agricultural inputs supply chain, including seed supply.
• Extensive experience in production planning, supply and operations systems development and management in a similar business, for at least 4 years. Experience in maize seed production is highly desirable.
• Must be aware of regulations and certification pertaining to seed trade in Nigeria and West Africa.
• Must be a customer focused individual, committed to building a reputation for trust and reliability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal, negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Problem-solving, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience working with a start-up business is desirable.