Field Farming Director

About the role

A leading agribusiness organization, represented by its client, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director – Field Farming to lead the planning, development and execution of large-scale commercial farming operations. The role covers greenfield projects, farm expansion, operational excellence and sustainable farming, with a focus on profitability, compliance and long-term growth. It is based in Dar es Salaam.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the field farming strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead feasibility studies on agronomic, climatic, soil, water, environmental and commercial factors for new investments.
• Build investment-grade business cases with financial models, CAPEX and OPEX projections, ROI analysis and risk assessments for Board and investor approval.
• Evaluate land acquisition opportunities, including greenfield developments, leases, partnerships and expansion projects.
• Oversee farm infrastructure design and development, such as irrigation, machinery, storage, workshops and utilities.
• Lead project planning, commissioning and operational readiness for new ventures.
• Establish SOPs for cultivation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, harvesting and post-harvest activities.
• Manage day-to-day farm operations, monitor crop performance, yields, costs and KPIs, and drive mechanization, automation and precision agriculture.
• Implement technologies such as GPS equipment, farm management systems, drones, satellite imaging and soil monitoring tools.
• Manage annual budgets, cost controls and performance reporting, and collaborate with procurement, finance, supply chain, HR, legal and strategy teams.
• Identify expansion, crop diversification and vertical integration opportunities, and build relationships with authorities, communities, investors and partners.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural, environmental, labour, land, health and safety regulations, and set up governance, risk management and business continuity frameworks.
• Promote sustainability, soil conservation, water management, regenerative agriculture and ESG practices.
• Mentor farm management teams, agronomists, irrigation specialists and field supervisors, and report to senior management, investors and the Board.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Agribusiness Management or a related field; a postgraduate qualification in Agribusiness, Operations Management or Strategy is highly preferred.
• Minimum 15-20 years of experience in large-scale commercial farming, agribusiness operations or agricultural project development.
• Proven track record of building investment-grade business cases and presenting to executives, investors or Boards.
• Strong background in greenfield farm development, land acquisition and multi-site operations.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and working in multicultural, multi-country environments (an added advantage).
• Fluent in English; willingness to travel extensively across project locations.

Required skills

• Crop production systems, agronomy, irrigation, mechanization and farm engineering.
• Modern agricultural technologies, precision farming, GIS mapping, automation and data-driven farming.
• Budgeting, forecasting, CAPEX planning, ROI analysis and cost optimization.
• Stakeholder management, negotiation, communication and leadership.