Head of Agribusiness (Re-Advertisement) at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)

As a senior manager in the organization, the Head of Agribusiness will be responsible for the grazing planning and management to mazimize soil quality and grass productivity throughout the conservancy in a holistic manner that supports and enhances biodiversity, the management of the Livestock and Agriculture department including sales and marketing, abattoir and embryo lab operations, maintaining the Ol Pejeta Boran Stud and commercial bef herd to the highest standards possible. He/She will also be responsible for Ol Pejeta fodder and crop production. Planning and implementing infreastructural improvement related to the efficient and profitable management of livestock and agriculturwe while leading a large workforce of approximately 150 employees.

The role holder will be responsible for:

• Acting in support of the OPC senior management team in support of Board agreed strategies and plans for OPC
• Develop policies to support increased productivity through rangeland improvement and herd size, through rangeland management and intensive grazing pastures outside the Conservancy area.
• Achieve predation and mortality reduction through effective disease and risk control protocols worked in support of the integrated system of livestock and wildlife on Ol Pejeta
• Working with relevant departments, sales, and marketing of livestock and agricultural produce to improve profitability and grow the Ol Pejeta beef brand.
• Develop, implement and control agreed annual budgets inclusive of capital expenditure in the Livestock and Agriculture department
• Ensure all appropriate records are maintained using relevant software relating to production, sales incomes, and expenditures. In particular, oversee the implementation and use of CattleMax and microchipping to streamline productivity in the livestock section for both stud and commercial herd
• Complete and operationalize the new Sirima slaughterhouse with the view of running a world-class facility built to the highest animal, human and environmental standards
• Ensure that the Ol Pejeta Boran stud (300 breeding cows, bulls, and followers) is managed effectively to maintain the highest standard of quality
• Liaise with the Ecological Monitoring Unit (EMU) and other relevant departments in the planning and management of rangeland improvement measures to help the department reach its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 while scientifically monitoring and evaluating the ecological outcomes of management interventions
• Support the Ol Pejeta community outreach program where necessary particularly with regard to planned measures to assist in the improvement and marketing of pastoralist and neighboring stock
• Work closely with the community development department to support the development of the Mutara Conservancy for use by local communities to run their own breeding herds. Assist communities with infrastructure and improved genetics to provide OPC with steers for fattening and sale as prime Ol Pejeta beef utilizing our existing brand and favorable market prices
• Work closely with the LFA, Government, and various other stakeholders to come up with robust livestock practices on neighboring ranches that are market-driven using Ol Pejeta as the central marketing and slaughter point for Laikipia beef.
• Represent the company in local and international meetings, livestock shows, and exhibitions to market the Ol Pejeta Boran herd.
• Coordinate the planting, growing, and fertilizing of Ol Pejeta’s current Rhodes Hayfields and any other fodder that OPC may develop in the future. Coordinate the harvesting and storing as well as feeding and sale of Ol Pejeta hay in line with annual requirements.
• In particular place particular emphasis on the planning and implementation of the pasture and conservation improvement plans in the Sirima area to increase productivity per acre as well as create sustainable mixed livestock and endangered species Boma.
• Work with fostering and building relationships between other third parties that strengthen the Ol Pejeta beef brand.
• Coordinate and actively engage in the annual farming techniques and crop choices in the Loidien wheat area with Lengetia Limited and any other Agribusiness partners to ensure best practices for soil and production quality, while maximizing revenues from the partnerships.
• Performing any other duties that may be delegated from time to time.

Person specifications

Education, language & qualifications

• Minimum Bsc. degree in Agri-business and/or 5 years’ experience in a similar leadership position.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with fluency in English, and verbal Swahili.
• Willingness to live on Ol Pejeta.