Lead : Grower Programmes, Pre And Post Support

Secondments; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the development of grower programmes aiming at empowering farmers through structured support and market access. This role requires significant management experience, strong networking skills, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The candidate will develop and oversee numerous farmer projects while managing team performance aligned with corporate objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of management experience is required.
• At least 3 years in developing and implementing grower programmes must be demonstrated.
• A relevant degree in Commerce, Science, or Agriculture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Develop grower programmes for farmers and establish partnerships.
• Recruits and builds a pipeline of qualified farmers to ensure sustainability.
• Collaborates for Farmer Academy content and programme monitoring.

Skills

Business development

Stakeholder management

Networking

Legislative knowledge

Operational strategy

Education

Degree in Commerce

Degree in Science

Degree in Agriculture

Job description

Key Performance Areas

Grower Programme Development

• Develops grower programmes for farmers within partnership programmes for specified commodities.
• Partners with Credit Risk and Agricultural Economics and Advisory to identify commodities aligned with the Bank's financing appetite, prioritizing grower programmes.
• Establishes relationships with off-takers, leveraging their expertise and market networks to support farmers' growth and success.
• Identifies and selects supplier aggregators based on set criteria to facilitate market access and support low-scale farmers.
• Ensures programmes promote sustainable farming practices, manage stakeholder interests, and enable market access.
• Makes data-driven decisions on resource deployment and continuous programme improvement.

Grower Programme Capacitation

• Recruits farmers through a development and merit-based selection process.
• Builds a pipeline of qualified participants to ensure programme sustainability.
• Leverages the Bank’s marketing capabilities to raise awareness of grower programmes and success stories via digital, social, and traditional media.
• Maps stakeholders and develops plans to engage community leaders and authorities as needed.
• Develops systems for collecting, tracking, and analyzing data related to grower programmes and farmers.

Farmer Development

• Collaborates across functions to establish programmes and develop content for the Farmer Academy.
• Ensures programmes provide structured market access to increase trading volumes and achieve social impact.
• Selects organizational models that facilitate farmer-partnership interaction, trust-building, and knowledge transfer for long-term viability.
• Encourages private sector investment and promotes sustainable sourcing through strategic procurement linkages.
• Implements structures to support farmers in compliance, governance, and contractual obligations.

Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation

• Develops models for monitoring farmer projects and encourages risk management strategies, including insurance solutions.
• Manages multiple projects, including status reporting and program oversight.
• Maintains effective interfaces across business areas to align with transformation agendas and priorities.
• Ensures adherence to governance and architectural standards in programme delivery.

People Management & Performance

• Ensures team targets are met and monitors managers' achievements and development plans.
• Participates in performance reviews, provides coaching, and fosters innovation.
• Plans human resource requirements, minimizes staff turnover, and ensures full utilization of capacity.
• Demonstrates behaviour aligned with corporate values and ensures equitable responsibility distribution.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree in Commerce, Science, or Agriculture.
• Minimum 7 years of management experience.
• At least 3 years in developing and implementing grower programmes.

Critical Competencies & Additional Requirements

• Business development, networking, stakeholder management, operational strategy, legislative and regulatory knowledge.
• Knowledge of PFMA, Company Act, banking products, and agricultural operations.