Technical Director - Agribusiness Infrastructure

About the role

A client of Shugulika Africa Limited operating in agribusiness and agricultural infrastructure development is seeking an experienced Technical Director to lead end-to-end engineering, construction and asset management across large-scale farm and agriculture infrastructure projects. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for project execution, ensuring timely delivery within approved CAPEX, compliance with quality, health and safety and ESG requirements, and oversight of engineers, contractors and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall technical and engineering leadership for agriculture infrastructure, farm development and operational facilities projects.
• Lead the project management and engineering teams responsible for construction of farm infrastructure, internal roads, bridges, irrigation, drainage, sewage, offices, housing, industrial facilities, power generation, refrigeration and transmission systems.
• Oversee civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, automation, instrumentation and architectural planning functions.
• Develop and approve project plans, designs, drawings, schedules and Gantt charts, and deliver projects on time, within scope, budget and CAPEX.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and delays, and coordinate with Procurement, Finance and Human Resources.
• Manage contractors, consultants and vendors, certify their work and recommend payments; liaise with government authorities for permits and approvals.
• Establish and oversee asset management, preventive and breakdown maintenance programs, and drive adoption of automation, instrumentation and irrigation technologies.
• Enforce HSE standards, QA/QC systems, and statutory compliance with Tanzanian construction laws and environmental regulations.
• Mentor technical and project management teams and report progress, cost, risk and compliance to senior management.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Agricultural Engineering; postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Advanced certification in Project Management, Engineering Management or Six Sigma is an added advantage.
• Minimum 15-20 years' experience in large-scale agricultural, farm development, industrial or infrastructure projects, preferably in Africa.
• Proven experience leading large multidisciplinary engineering and project management teams.
• Experience working with contractors, consultants, suppliers and government authorities.

Required skills

• Irrigation and drainage systems, automation and instrumentation.
• CAPEX management, asset reliability, maintenance planning and operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of Tanzanian construction regulations, environmental standards and statutory approval processes.
• Leadership, stakeholder management, decision-making and problem-solving.