Farm Manager (Crop Production Specialist)

Responsibilities:

Crop Production & Agronomy:

• Plan and manage the full production cycle of the cashew plantation at all locations, ensuring proper management of the plantations, preparation and coordination of periodic harvest, efficient storage and sales. 
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of cashew breeds is essential.
• Plan and manage the full production cycle for crops such as maize, cassava, and soya, from land preparation to harvest and post-harvest handling. 
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of crop irrigation systems and periodic production is essential.
• Develop and implement seasonal crop calendars, planting schedules, and field activity plans aligned with rainfall patterns and local conditions.
• Ensure proper seed selection, planting density, spacing, and timing to maximise yield potential.
• Oversee fertiliser programs, soil fertility management, and nutrient application strategies based on crop needs and field conditions.
• Implement effective weed, pest, and disease management programs using best agronomic practices and integrated pest management principles.
• Monitor crop growth stages, field performance, and emerging risks, and take timely corrective actions to protect yield and quality.
• Experience in agricultural aggregation and processing will be an added advantage.

Field Execution & Workforce Management:

• Supervise field supervisors, permanent staff, and casual labourers to ensure tasks are executed correctly, on time, and to standard.
• Assign daily and weekly work plans and closely monitor productivity and output.
• Enforce discipline, accountability, and efficient use of time and farm resources.
• Train workers on proper field techniques, safety practices, and equipment handling.
• Ensure that farm operations run smoothly even under tight timelines or peak-season pressure.

Operational Efficiency & Asset Management:

• Oversee the proper use and maintenance of tractors, implements, irrigation systems, and farm equipment.
• Ensure efficient use of farm inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, fuel, and labour.
• Reduce wastage, prevent losses, and maintain high operational discipline across all farm activities.

Planning, Reporting & Performance Management:

• Work with management to develop production targets, input plans, and operational budgets.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of Field activities, Input usage, Labour deployment, Yields and, harvest data and Operational costs
• Provide regular field and performance reports, highlighting: Progress against targets, Risks or challenges and Recommended improvements

Continuous Improvement & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Identify opportunities to improve yield per hectare, cost efficiency, and field productivity.
• Stay informed on improved varieties, agronomic practices, and technologies relevant to maize, cassava, and soya.
• Liaise with input suppliers, extension officers, agronomists, and local farming networks where necessary.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, including effective engagement with smallholder farmers.
• Proven experience managing smallholder farm operations.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 6 years of practical, hands-on experience managing crop production operations.
• Demonstrated experience producing cashew, maize, cassava, or soya at a commercial scale.
• Strong working knowledge of Irrigation system and production, Land preparation methods, Cashew plantation and harvesting, Fertility management, Weed and pest control and Harvest planning and timing
• Proven ability to supervise labour and enforce operational standards in the field.
• Proven experience supervising farm labour and managing daily field operations.
• Solid understanding of irrigation practices and on-farm water management.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and execute farm activities with minimal supervision.
• Basic record-keeping, reporting, and budgeting skills.
• A formal tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field is desirable, but priority will be given to candidates with strong practical field experience and verifiable production results.
• Physically fit, hardworking, reliable, and results-oriented.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially when working with staff and local communities.

 Location: Irawo Owode, Oyo State