Agribusiness Operations Manager
Location: Rufunsa with regular travel to Lusaka
Reports to: Managing Director, Common Wellbeing
Type: Full-time; contract
About Common Wellbeing
Common Wellbeing is a mission-first agribusiness built to close the gap between rural women farmers and the markets that need them.
Across Zambia, rural women face limited options to earn a dignified income — while buyers struggle to source consistent, high-quality agricultural products. We are building a new kind of enterprise to solve both problems at once.
We work directly with rural women to grow and deliver reliable, market-ready products — starting with mushrooms — that meet the quality, volume, and consistency expected by commercial buyers. In doing so, we unlock income for women and trust for buyers — with one integrated, performance-driven model.
Common Wellbeing operates with urgency, discipline, and a deep commitment to long-term systems change. Every product we move is a step toward a stronger, more inclusive rural economy.
Role Overview
We are an early-stage social enterprise using agriculture to create sustainable income and improve rural livelihoods. Our first focus is mushroom farming — and we’re looking for a hands-on Agribusiness Operations Manager to join us at the ground level and help build something meaningful.
You’ll be responsible for managing everything after the harvest — from quality control and packaging to logistics, distribution, and buyer coordination. You’ll also be the key person ensuring the entire process runs smoothly and that we meet our buyers’ expectations every time.
This is a highly hands-on role — you will be on-site, directly managing day-to-day operations, packaging, deliveries, and customer fulfillment. It’s not a desk job.
While our current focus is mushrooms, we plan to expand into other agricultural products in the near future — and this role may grow alongside that expansion.
Key Responsibilities
Post-Harvest Management:
Oversee all post-harvest handling activities including cleaning, sorting, grading, and packaging of mushrooms to ensure high quality and minimal damage or loss. Be physically present and involved in post-harvest activities, ensuring all steps are followed properly and assisting where needed to maintain quality and speed.
Quality Assurance:
Ensure all products meet quality standards required by buyers, including freshness, cleanliness, consistency, and presentation. Monitor quality at every stage of handling and intervene quickly when standards are not met.
Packaging & Labeling:
Supervise the packaging process to ensure accuracy, proper sealing, labeling, and overall product readiness for the market. Ensure packaging materials are stocked and used efficiently.
Logistics & Distribution:
Plan and manage delivery schedules, coordinate transportation from Rufunsa to Lusaka, and ensure timely and safe delivery to all buyers. Personally oversee and sometimes accompany deliveries to Lusaka to ensure smooth handoff to buyers and maintain strong relationships.
Inventory & Stock Management:
Track daily harvest quantities, monitor stock movement, and manage a simple inventory system to ensure accurate records of what is available, sold, or dispatched.
Buyer Management:
Serve as the main point of contact for existing buyers. Ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and on time, resolve delivery or product issues quickly, and build trust with each buyer through clear, timely communication.
Reporting & Record Keeping:
Maintain simple but consistent records of deliveries, packaging output, issues encountered, and sales fulfilled. Submit weekly reports on stock, deliveries, and process performance.
Team Coordination:
Supervise and support a small team involved in packaging and delivery. Assign daily tasks, ensure accountability, and create a smooth, cooperative working environment.
Problem Solving & Process Improvement:
Proactively identify breakdowns or inefficiencies in the farm-to-market process and implement simple, practical solutions to keep operations flowing.
Market Feedback Loop:
Gather feedback from buyers regarding product quality, packaging, and reliability — and share insights with the production team to help align farm output with market expectations.
Key Deliverables
Fresh mushrooms consistently packaged and delivered to buyers on time and in good condition
Post-harvest losses kept low through effective handling and proactive quality control
Orders fulfilled fully and accurately, with clear communication to buyers at all stages
Delivery and inventory records kept up-to-date and submitted regularly
Buyer concerns or complaints addressed quickly and professionally
Daily tasks assigned and followed through with support staff
Farm-to-market operations run smoothly, with visible improvements over time
Requirements
Minimum 3 years experience in agribusiness, logistics, post-harvest handling, or supply chain roles (fresh produce preferred)
Proven ability to manage operations independently in rural or low-resource environments
Strong organizational skills — able to manage inventory, deliveries, and reporting without daily oversight
Physically present and engaged in hands-on daily tasks (this is not a desk job)
Confident communicator with buyers and transporters — able to manage delivery timelines and resolve issues professionally
Fluent in English and at least one local language
Reliable, proactive, and unafraid to take ownership when problems arise
Comfortable with regular travel between Rufunsa and Lusaka (including accompanying deliveries when needed)
Diploma or degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Valid driving license
Bonus: Experience supervising small teams or working with social enterprises
Compensation
Competitive salary based on experience.
Transport support provided for travel between Rufunsa and Lusaka.
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