Operations Lead

Role Purpose:

This position will be responsible for coordinating and ensuring smooth running of all operations, for timely production of required quality and quantity of cuttings.

What Your Day May Look Like

• Coordinate and distribute labor to different sections of production as per work requirements to meet outlined targets.
• Coordinate harvesting of un-rooted cuttings giving priority to destinations, delivery groups, product sensitivity and post-harvest requirements to meet set product quality, in time and in full.
• Coordinates the process of uprooting and greenhouse sterilization before season starts and in preparation for planting sessions.
• Coordinate timely making of bunkers, mixing of different media at the appropriate ratios, steaming (both on bed and bunkers) up to the correct temperatures and leaching the media as per the standards to meet planting deadlines.
• Coordinate media potting activities & appropriate pots/bags arrangement depending on planting priorities, densities and the area availability as outlined in the planting maps.
• Coordinate relocation of crops within the blocks in accordance with the location planning changes in time and without mixes or violating phytosanitary rules.
• Support in preparation of all production labor requirements for optimal staffing purposes.
• Follows up on labor hours registration and inputs into the system for decision making.
• Prepare periodic and ad hoc labor reports and disseminates to the relevant stakeholders.
• Analyze the efficiency of operations activities including PRP by collecting data from work done and comparing with the given targets for decision making including seasonal hiring and re-hiring.
• Support in preparation of yearly leave plan schedule for entire production teams and submit to HR for implementation.
• Conduct performance appraisal for all production teams. In liaison with other production section heads, identify areas of improvement for personal development.
• Assess operations team training needs and arrange for such trainings. The trainings should aim at enhancing productivity, increased levels of engagement and efficiency.
• Operational control: - Ensure all operational works follow Phyto-sanitary laid down guidance/protocols to secure cutting quality.
• Coordinate PPE ordering and issuing to avoid unnecessary purchases, misuse, and wastage. Additionally, ensure all operational tools/equipment are always properly stored/handled.
• Housekeeping – Maintain greenhouse and general farm cleanliness.
• Work in harmony with the Engineering department to ensure all the work schedules and work interfaces are timely executed and assure good follow-ups
• Enforce the Health Safety and Environment ( HSE) rules and regulations and champions the implementation of Syngenta HSE policy and standards.
• Any other tasks and projects as may be allocated from time to time.

Syngenta is a Global Agribusiness Company with its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. We are a market leader in the breeding and production of Seeds and Cuttings for high-quality pot and bedding plants. In Kenya, we have two production Sites; Kenya Cuttings Limited based in Thika, and Pollen Limited based in Ruiru.

Knowledge Skills & Experience:

The ideal candidate must possess the following qualification and competencies:

• Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture, master’s degree will be an added advantage
• Must have at least 5 year’s relevant work experience
• Ability to plan and provide labor to deliver products in defined quantities, quality time and cost
• Demonstrates openness in communication to others and makes timely communication
• Track record for building trust and giving reliable and correct information
• Data entry and analytical skills with progressive analytical and reporting tools.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong supervisory and managerial skills with a growth mindset.
• Proactiveness in taking precautionary measures in the quality control and quality assurance process
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office with excellent organizational skills.
• Proven track record of leading teams with good problem-solving skills

Essential Syngenta Competencies

Customer-focused - Ensure that the plants are grown and fed under the right conditions to ensure quality of the products to satisfy the customer requirements.

Innovative - Challenge and improve the current way of doings things in your area of responsibility to increase efficiency.

Decisive - Demonstrate ability to take prudent action with little oversight.

Communicative - Demonstrates openness in communication to others, able to communicate to general workers in a language they can understand, listens well and incorporates the thoughts and ideas of others.

Trusted - Track record for building trust and reliability to deliver required products.

Team-oriented - Ability to work in a team of other growers and other personnel, providing support.

Results-oriented - Ability to deliver products in defined quantities, quality time and cost.

Other behaviors critical for the role.

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Understanding and able to handle workers on a lower level.
• Integrity.