Sr. Manager - Agronomy Services

About This Role

Job description:

. JOB PURPOSE: Key responsibility for managing the development of agronomy services to the nadec farms including training and development for agriculture teams. Prioritising knowledge transfer while focusing on optimizing crop production, enhancing sustainable farming practices, and ensuring alignment of agronomic strategies with the organization’s overall agricultural goals. Provision of a package of technical services which directs and drives best practice & innovation in production protocols and ensuring the implementation of best agronomic practices to maximize yield, improve crop quality, and contribute to the company’s long-term profitability. Provide the key services and modules for training and development towards the adoption of modern methods of water, soil and leaf analysis and interpretation of results is a focus. Training and development in digital technologies across extensive farming, but also controlled environment agriculture (CEA) will be important. To include glasshouse technology, environmental control systems, growing media testing and selection. Engineering and hydroponics training materials will need to be developed in conjunction with experts on the team and the knowledge transferred through various means.  Director Agronomy Sr Manager Agronomy Services Sr Manager Agronomy Services - Agriculture Development Job Description HRD/JD-001 HR Dept. Page 2 of 5 Public 5. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Strategic Contribution • The appointee will provide, as part of Nadec Agriculture team, specialised technical support, training and leadership for the development of our agronomy services, in line with the work programme as specified in the departments business plan. Contribute to the development of strategic plans that support the optimization of crop production and ensure the sustainability of farming operations. Align agronomic services with the company’s long-term agricultural goals and profitability objectives.. Leadership • Develop the agronomy activities of the agriculture team across production to ensure that all work is carried out according to latest best practice, in line with the strategic project management plans, policies and procedures. • Lead a cross-enterprise approach to the development of the building of standard operating procedures and production protocols for the required crops and train a competent team in the adoption of SOPs and provide ongoing feedback and coaching to meet the functional challenges and goals. • Lead the agronomy services team, driving a culture of continuous learning and development. Provide mentorship, support, and leadership to ensure agriculture teams are well-trained in modern agronomic practices and technologies. Budgeting • Operate according to the department budget and monitor financial performance versus the budget so that the business is aware of anticipated costs/revenues, areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, and potential performance improvement opportunities in the training and agronomy sphere are capitalized upon. Core Accountabilities: o Training & Knowledge Transfer: Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs for NADEC’s agricultural teams. Ensure that all team members are equipped with the skills to interpret water, soil, and leaf analysis results and apply them effectively to optimize crop production. Focus on continuous knowledge transfer and skill-building, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within farming practices. o Service Provision & Technical Support: Develop a robust package of agronomy services that provides ongoing technical support to the farms. Offer expert guidance in implementing best agronomic practices, and modern technologies such as digital farming tools, hydroponics, and environmental control systems. Ensure that agricultural teams have access to the resources and expertise they need to improve crop quality, maximize yield, and sustain profitability. o Modern Agricultural Practices: Promote and train teams on the adoption of cutting-edge methods in agronomy, particularly in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This includes advancements in glasshouse technology, environmental control systems, and growing media testing and selection. Provide teams with the tools to make data-driven decisions and adopt precision agriculture techniques, improving overall operational efficiency. o Digital Technologies Training: Drive the integration of digital agriculture technologies across all farming operations. Deliver specialized training on the use of precision farming tools, farm management software, and data Sr Manager Agronomy Services - Agriculture Development Job Description HRD/JD-001 HR Dept. Page 3 of 5 Public collection systems. Support teams in harnessing technology for better decision-making and optimization of resources such as water and fertilizers. o Sustainability & Best Practices: Ensure that agronomy teams are trained to implement sustainable farming practices that meet environmental goals while improving productivity. Regularly update teams on the latest industry standards, focusing on resource optimization, soil health, water conservation, and eco-friendly practices that enhance long-term farm viability. o Customized Agronomic Solutions: Provide tailored agronomic solutions based on the unique needs of each farm. Develop individualized training and service packages to address specific challenges, whether related to soil conditions, crop variety, or environmental factors. Guide teams in the application of advanced agronomic strategies to resolve on-farm issues and drive better performance. o Participate in the setting of performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide regular feedback to ensure the operational team’s alignment with departmental and organizational objectives. o Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to crop production protocols promoted by the agronomy team, particularly as they relate to the use of chemicals and fertilizers in the reference fruit crops. o Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including if required suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure the successful implementation of agronomic practices and alignment to quality assurance schemes like Saudi Gap and Global Gap. Policies, System, Processes and Procedures • Manage the development and implementation of policies, systems, processes and procedures, identifying potential areas for improvement, to ensure efficient and effective operation. • Ensure compliance with corporate requirements on adherence to policies, procedures and instructions related to all relevant regulatory directives to ensure a safe and risk-free environment. Change Management • Motivate the employees and contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices considering best practices. • Ensure that all departmental reports and statements are completed timely and comply with local and international principles of governance and the organization's policies and standards. 1. JOB CONTEXT • Sr Manager Agronomy Services will be working in Nadec Head Office and will be required to travel as and when needed to other Nadec sites. 2. COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Internal Department (Within NADEC) • Agriculture External External Customers / Companies / Clients (Outside NADEC) • Sr Manager Agronomy Services - Agriculture Development Job Description HRD/JD-001 HR Dept. Page 4 of 5 Public 3. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS: Education and Certifications • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. • Professional certifications in maintenance management (e.g., CMMS, TPM) are advantageous. Experience: • 7-12 years of experience in agronomy or related agricultural fields, with at least 5 years in a specialist agronomy role in fruit production. • Experience in knowledge transfer, research, and development within the agricultural sector, with a strong understanding of the latest agronomic technologies and trends. Skills: • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in both written and spoken English and proficiency in Arabic being a plus. • Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to present financial and performance data clearly to senior management. • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights for Agricultural operational improvement and training. • Expertise in production planning and performance management tools, including FMS and other agricultural software tools. • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on achieving operational excellence. • Strong organizational and time-management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and specialized financial and agricultural software.