The Zambezi Cashews Company Limited (ZCCL), a subsidiary of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), was established in 2018 to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and develop the Western Province through large-scale cashew production. With 517 hectares of productive plantation on a 25,599-hectare landholding, ZCCL is poised for significant expansion. However, to realize this potential and ensure operational excellence, the company requires skilled professionals in key managerial roles.
The Company is looking to fill the following position:
ESTATES MANAGER
Role Overview:
The Estates Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of Zambezi Cashew Company Limited’s plantations, ensuring sustainable production, efficient land use, and optimal yields. The role manages cultivation, harvesting, workforce supervision, infrastructure development, and the outgrower scheme, aligning all estate activities with the company’s goal of producing export-grade cashew nuts and maximizing productivity, profitability, and shareholder value.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Plantation Operations Management
Oversee day-to-day operations of the existing plantation and plan expansion
Develop and implement comprehensive plantation development strategies in phased approaches
Manage cashew tree cultivation, maintenance, pruning, pest control, and harvesting operations
Ensure optimal tree health, growth rates, and yield maximization across all planted areas
Coordinate seasonal activities including land preparation, planting, fertilization, and harvest timing
Strategic Planning & Development
Develop long-term estate development plans aligned with company’s scaling objectives
Plan and execute phased plantation expansion to support processing plant capacity requirements
Design and implement sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation measures
Coordinate with management on investment planning for plantation infrastructure and equipment
Outgrower Scheme Development & Management
Establish, develop, and manage comprehensive outgrower programs in line with IDC mandate
Recruit, train, and support smallholder farmers in cashew cultivation best practices
Develop outgrower contracts, pricing mechanisms, and quality standards
Coordinate extension services and technical support for outgrower participants
Ensure reliable supply chain from outgrowers to guarantee processing plant stockfeed
Team Leadership & Human Resources
Lead and manage plantation workforce including supervisors, field workers, and seasonal laborers
Recruit, train, and develop plantation staff in technical and safety competencies
Implement performance management systems and ensure adherence to labor standards
Coordinate with HR on workforce planning for seasonal variations and expansion phases
Promote workplace safety, health protocols, and community employment opportunities
Quality Control & Productivity
Establish and maintain quality standards for cashew nut production to meet export specifications
Implement productivity improvement initiatives and monitor key performance indicators
Coordinate with processing plant requirements to ensure quality raw material supply
Develop and maintain plantation record-keeping systems for traceability and compliance
Budget Management & Financial Oversight
Prepare annual plantation budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure cost-effective operations
Manage procurement of agricultural inputs, equipment, and services within approved budgets
Coordinate with finance team on cost analysis, profitability assessments, and investment proposals
Implement cost control measures and efficiency improvements
Stakeholder Management & Community Relations
Maintain positive relationships with local communities, traditional leaders, and government agencies
Coordinate with regulatory bodies on compliance with agricultural and environmental regulations
Represent the company in agricultural forums, industry associations, and stakeholder meetings
Support community development initiatives aligned with company’s social responsibility objectives
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Grade 12 Certificate with five (5) O Levels.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry, Crop Science, or a related field.
A Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in plantation management, estates operations, or large-scale commercial agriculture, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
Demonstrated experience in tree crop management (preferably cashew, macadamia, mango, or similar crops).
Proven track record of managing outgrower schemes or community-based agriculture programs.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
You must posses the following skills and knowledge:
Leadership and People Management: Ability to inspire, motivate, and manage diverse teams.
Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, soil management, pest control, and modern farming technologies.
Strategic Planning: Excellent ability to develop and execute long-term operational plans.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills to address operational challenges.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with the team, outgrowers, and senior management.
Financial Acumen: Competence in budget management and cost control.
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