About Company
Kenya Seed Company is a leading agricultural institution with a rich history spanning over half a century. We are at the forefront of agricultural innovation in East Africa, dedicated to developing, producing, and marketing high-quality seeds for various crops, including maize, wheat, pasture, and diverse horticultural varieties. Our mission is to enhance food security and improve farmer livelihoods through superior genetics and sustainable practices. Headquartered in Kitale, the heartland of Kenya’s breadbasket, we operate state-of-the-art research and development facilities, extensive seed processing plants, and a robust distribution network reaching farmers across the region. We pride ourselves on our commitment to research, quality control, and farmer support, contributing significantly to the agricultural backbone of Kenya and beyond. Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organization that directly impacts millions of lives through sustainable agriculture.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team in Kitale. The COO will be responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operational functions, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and profitability across all departments. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader capable of driving operational excellence, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our agricultural and manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, ensuring the effective execution of our core business activities from seed research and development to production, processing, and distribution. You will be instrumental in managing resources, streamlining workflows, and implementing best practices to meet our ambitious growth targets and uphold our commitment to quality. This role demands a strong leader with proven experience in managing complex operations, especially within the agribusiness or manufacturing sectors, capable of navigating challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation and growth in a dynamic environment. Your leadership will directly impact our ability to deliver high-quality seeds to farmers efficiently and sustainably, solidifying Kenya Seed Company’s position as a market leader. If you are a results-oriented executive with a passion for agriculture and a track record of operational transformation, we invite you to lead our team towards sustained success.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all operational aspects of the company, including research and development, seed production, processing, supply chain, and distribution.
- Develop and implement operational strategies and policies to ensure alignment with the company's overall strategic goals.
- Optimize operational processes and workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of operational managers and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Monitor performance against key operational metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
- Manage budgets, resource allocation, and capital expenditure related to operational activities.
- Drive innovation in operational practices, technology adoption, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
- Collaborate with the CEO and other executives to set strategic priorities and develop long-term growth plans.
- Manage relationships with key suppliers, partners, and stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a Chief Operating Officer or in a similar executive leadership role, preferably within the agribusiness, manufacturing, or FMCG sector.
- Demonstrated expertise in operational management, process optimization, and supply chain management.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.
- Exceptional leadership, team management, and talent development skills.
- In-depth understanding of agricultural practices, seed technology, and quality control standards.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency in project management and implementation of operational excellence initiatives.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
- Professional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies.
- Experience with international agricultural standards and export regulations.
- Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives and ERP systems in an operational context.
- Prior experience working with diverse cultural teams in the East African region.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health insurance package for you and your dependents.
- Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Executive-level retirement benefits scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development and executive training.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- A chance to lead significant agricultural impact in the region.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please click on the application link below to apply for this job. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your strategic leadership capabilities and operational expertise.