Our client specialises in the breeding and propagation of Gerbera’s and Roses worldwide.
To professionalize and expand their business in Africa, they have bought their own 20 ha farm at the “Panda” project in Naivasha, Kenya.
The farm has been in operation since 2009. Subsequently in the near future all the non-varieties of the company’s products will be replaced by their (new) varieties. The remaining hectares consist of test varieties and a show-greenhouse from their breeding company.
The farm is near Lake Naivasha, at the heart of the Great Rift Valley and stands at an altitude of 1,900m above sea level. Currently 5 different rose varieties are grown at the farm. The entire production from the farm in Naivasha is brought to the Flora Holland Aalsmeer auction.
The farm in Naivasha is in full operational and the production has grown considerably after an initial spate of teething problems. The considerable rise in production is similar to the rise in quality of the supply.
Purpose of the General Manager’s function:
Managing the development of all activities of the company in Kenya and other African countries.
Position in overall organization:
The General Manager will report directly to the Board of Directors in Holland on a quarterly basis, equal to the General Managers of their brand companies in Ecuador and Columbia.
Replacement:
The General Manager has to work very closely with the Commercial Manager , who can replace him when necessary. Each farm will be managed by a Farm Manager who can replace him on this part in his absence.
Main activities:
Managing the sales organization and farm(s) in Kenya.
At the farm a new office building, showroom greenhouse and rose selection greenhouse will be developed. The General Manager has to lead this project from the start.
Furthermore the General Manager has to produce a strategic business and sales plan for the next 5 years, to discuss with the board in Holland according to the company goals, before the end of 2010.
The existing greenhouses at the farm will be used for commercial production of roses, but can also be used as testing area whenever needed or wanted. The General Manager will be fully responsible for the technical and financial results of this farm. Under his supervision the day to day business will be managed by a farm manager.
In the future the company also wants to set up another farm at the Timau area, also for commercial production of roses; The General Manager will be responsible for setting up this project, with important assistance from Holland, and will be managing the farm manager(s) at this project.
Authorisation:
The General Manager will be the Legal Representative of the company, with full responsibility.
In future he will be authorized to make financial investments in the farms. The extent of these investments will be determined in time.
Function demands
• Male person, age 35-45
• A minimum of 5 years senior management experience on a comparable level with a proven track record in business development, planning, strategy and sound commercial management.
• Staff Management and mentoring proven track record
• Degree educated
• Networker with a good local network
• Perfect English spoken and written. Dutch an advantage, but not necessary.
Profile
• Ambitious
• Team player
• Reliable
• Result oriented
• Entrepreneurship
• Excellent people skills
Advantages
Previous experience of managing a large Kenyan staff complement and reporting to an international firm where efficient administration, financial, procedural reporting and communication requirements are the norm
Remuneration
KShs. 500-600,000 nett/month
Company car and phone provided.
Accommodation is available on the farm at the incumbent’s discretion.
To apply for this position, send your C.V., detailed application letter in line with the job profile and recent photograph of yourself to info@byappointmentafrica.com. Please do not attach educational scanned certificates. Ensure you quote the job reference in all correspondence. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.