(Agriculture, Sugar Industry)
With a distinguished 35+ year career in the Southern African sugar industry, he has a proven track record of managing large-scale, complex agricultural operations and driving profitability through technical excellence and innovative farming models.
His career showcases a consistent trajectory of increasing responsibility:
- Strategic Leadership: Currently in a key Operations Manager role, he is responsible for overseeing a substantial portfolio of both leased and sharecropped land (~4000 Ha total), managing budgets, and driving best practices across geographically dispersed farms.
- Technical & Systems Expertise: Previously served as a Systems and Agronomy Manager for a major 7,200 Ha operation, where he was instrumental in database management, precision agriculture initiatives (irrigation scheduling, moisture mapping), pest/disease control, and the introduction of new cane varieties.
- Proven People & Stakeholder Management: He has extensive experience leading large teams, fostering sound labour relations, and engaging with community stakeholders. He holds professional board and committee positions, demonstrating his respected industry standing.
Key Profile Highlights:
- Expertise in Agricultural Models: Deep hands-on experience managing MCP (lease-out) and Sharecropping business models, with a strong understanding of grower relations, legal agreements, and revenue/cost structures.
- End-to-End Operational Mastery: From cane estimation and crop disposition to soil health, fertilizer programs, and harvest planning. He ensures optimal yield, quality, and root value.
- Driven by Technology & Best Practice: A champion for adopting technology initiatives, sustainable farming practices (Sus farms), and a robust safety culture aligned with legislation.
- Strong Financial & Commercial Acumen: Experienced in monthly cost/revenue reviews, annual budget preparation, and P&L accountability.
- Sought-After Industry Profile: An active member of influential industry committees (e.g., SASRI Agronomist Committee, Mill Group Board).
He is a results-driven, self-motivated leader with exceptional communication skills and attention to detail. He is locationally flexible within Southern Africa for the right senior-level opportunity, such as Agricultura/ Agronomy/ General Manager (Farming), Head of Operations, or Senior Agronomy & Systems Director.
If you have a current or anticipated need for his unique combination of strategic oversight, deep technical agronomy knowledge, and hands-on experience with large-scale farming systems, get in touch.
Request a detailed CV and/or arrange a confidential, obligation-free exploratory discussion
with our Agribusiness/Operations Manager: info@not-recruitment.com