Agronomy Manager: Rainfed

Job Title: Agronomy Manager: Rainfed
Location: VOPS Caledon
Job Type: Full-time
Job Requisition ID: 30069554
Posted Date: 3 days ago

Key Purpose:

The Agronomy Manager: Rainfed is responsible for leading a team of rainfed barley agronomists in South Africa to ensure the security of malting barley supply for ABInBev’s processing facilities. The role involves consulting with barley producers and industry stakeholders, expanding and optimizing growing areas, supporting the raw materials procurement process, and managing sustainability initiatives.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Supply Management: Ensure the right quantity, variety, and quality of seed are available at the right place and time.
• Expert Knowledge: Provide expert guidance on fertilization, soil management, pest control, crop inputs, and rotational crops.
• Team Leadership: Lead regional agronomists to execute strategies for the secure supply of malting barley.
• Sustainability: Drive the implementation of sustainability and regenerative agriculture programs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build effective partnerships with procurement, global agronomy stakeholders, and external experts.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Communication: Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on crop status and contracting with cooperatives.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage risks in production environments.
• Collaboration: Maintain effective communication with partners to align short-term plans with long-term strategies.

Critical Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of cropping systems, agronomy, seed production, and data generation, specifically in Malting Barley.
• Expertise in crop management, soil science, and irrigation.
• Understanding of R&D and business processes.

Critical Skills:

• Digital fluency and the ability to work across disciplines and geographies.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, networking, and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking and tactical implementation.
• Effective time management and the ability to plan over extended periods.

Critical Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in agronomy, with a focus on seed and FMCG companies.
• Experience in managing diverse teams across large geographical regions.
• Experience working with both commercial and smallholder farmers.
• Demonstrated ability to influence colleagues across functional boundaries.

Profile:

• Education: BSc. Hon in Agronomy, Crop Production, Plant Breeding, Agri-Economics, or related field.
• Experience: Proven track record in managing agronomic operations and talent development.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and Outlook.
• Languages: Fluency in Afrikaans & English.
• Additional Requirements: Valid driver’s license, extensive travel (80%), and flexibility to work extended hours when required.

Additional Information:

• Band: VI
• ABInBev is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with the company’s employment equity plan and talent requirements.
• Management reserves the right to use additional/relevant information as criteria for short-listing.

Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do? Apply now to be a part of ABInBev’s future!

 

apply here