Southern Agronomy Manager

Overview:

The Southern Agronomy Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuous and reliable supply of high-quality, cost-effective agricultural raw materials—primarily potatoes—to meet production requirements. This role drives sustainable competitive advantage through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and agronomy innovation. You will manage grower relationships, oversee farm-to-factory logistics, and lead initiatives that enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency

Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Management

• Manage sourcing and supply of potatoes from Southern region growers to meet cost, quality, and volume targets

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and Chain of Responsibility laws

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and execute annual operating plans (AOP) and strategic agronomy supply plans

• Establish accurate forecasting processes and communicate cost, quality, and supply position reports across the business

Supplier Development & Relationships

• Build strong partnerships with growers and transport providers to deliver sustainable productivity

• Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement improvement projects

Technology & Best Practice Adoption

• Lead transfer of new agronomy technologies and best practices to suppliers

• Manage field trials and leverage innovation to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop the Agronomy Field Officer to build capability and ensure delivery of business requirements

• Drive health, safety, and sustainability initiatives within the team

Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate reporting of KPIs, oversee risk assessments, and ensure compliance with internal controls and governance standards

Qualifications:

Qualifications

• Tertiary level training in Agricultural Science at a University level
• Postgraduate training or MBA would also be highly regarded

Experience

• Ten years of experience managing Agricultural supply system for either the fresh market or processing

Skills

• High level of Agronomy skills and understanding
• High level of computer literacy, strong analytical skills and agricultural science skills.
• Communication skills both internally and externally at all levels is also an imperative.
• Experience at managing remote teams
• Presentation skills aimed at both senior management level and supplier education
• Negotiation skills