Agribusiness Operations Manager
\nLocation: Rufunsa with regular travel to Lusaka
\nReports to: Managing Director, Common Wellbeing
\nType: Full-time; contract
\nAbout Common Wellbeing
\nCommon Wellbeing is a mission-first agribusiness built to close the gap between rural women farmers and the markets that need them.
\nAcross Zambia, rural women face limited options to earn a dignified income \u2014 while buyers struggle to source consistent, high-quality agricultural products. We are building a new kind of enterprise to solve both problems at once.
\nWe work directly with rural women to grow and deliver reliable, market-ready products \u2014 starting with mushrooms \u2014 that meet the quality, volume, and consistency expected by commercial buyers. In doing so, we unlock income for women and trust for buyers \u2014 with one integrated, performance-driven model.
\nCommon 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.
\nRole Overview
\nWe are an early-stage social enterprise using agriculture to create sustainable income and improve rural livelihoods. Our first focus is mushroom farming \u2014 and we\u2019re looking for a hands-on Agribusiness Operations Manager to join us at the ground level and help build something meaningful.
\nYou\u2019ll be responsible for managing everything after the harvest \u2014 from quality control and packaging to logistics, distribution, and buyer coordination. You\u2019ll also be the key person ensuring the entire process runs smoothly and that we meet our buyers\u2019 expectations every time.
\nThis is a highly hands-on role \u2014 you will be on-site, directly managing day-to-day operations, packaging, deliveries, and customer fulfillment. It\u2019s not a desk job.
\nWhile our current focus is mushrooms, we plan to expand into other agricultural products in the near future \u2014 and this role may grow alongside that expansion.
\nKey Responsibilities
\nPost-Harvest Management:
\nOversee 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.
\nQuality Assurance:
\nEnsure 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.
\nPackaging & Labeling:
\nSupervise the packaging process to ensure accuracy, proper sealing, labeling, and overall product readiness for the market. Ensure packaging materials are stocked and used efficiently.
\nLogistics & Distribution:
\nPlan 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.
\nInventory & Stock Management:
\nTrack daily harvest quantities, monitor stock movement, and manage a simple inventory system to ensure accurate records of what is available, sold, or dispatched.
\nBuyer Management:
\nServe 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.
\nReporting & Record Keeping:
\nMaintain simple but consistent records of deliveries, packaging output, issues encountered, and sales fulfilled. Submit weekly reports on stock, deliveries, and process performance.
\nTeam Coordination:
\nSupervise and support a small team involved in packaging and delivery. Assign daily tasks, ensure accountability, and create a smooth, cooperative working environment.
\nProblem Solving & Process Improvement:
\nProactively identify breakdowns or inefficiencies in the farm-to-market process and implement simple, practical solutions to keep operations flowing.
\nMarket Feedback Loop:
\nGather feedback from buyers regarding product quality, packaging, and reliability \u2014 and share insights with the production team to help align farm output with market expectations.
\nKey Deliverables<\/p>\n
Fresh mushrooms consistently packaged and delivered to buyers on time and in good condition
\nPost-harvest losses kept low through effective handling and proactive quality control
\nOrders fulfilled fully and accurately, with clear communication to buyers at all stages
\nDelivery and inventory records kept up-to-date and submitted regularly
\nBuyer concerns or complaints addressed quickly and professionally
\nDaily tasks assigned and followed through with support staff
\nFarm-to-market operations run smoothly, with visible improvements over time<\/p>\n
Requirements<\/p>\n
Minimum 3 years experience in agribusiness, logistics, post-harvest handling, or supply chain roles (fresh produce preferred)
\nProven ability to manage operations independently in rural or low-resource environments
\nStrong organizational skills \u2014 able to manage inventory, deliveries, and reporting without daily oversight
\nPhysically present and engaged in hands-on daily tasks (this is not a desk job)
\nConfident communicator with buyers and transporters \u2014 able to manage delivery timelines and resolve issues professionally
\nFluent in English and at least one local language
\nReliable, proactive, and unafraid to take ownership when problems arise
\nComfortable with regular travel between Rufunsa and Lusaka (including accompanying deliveries when needed)
\nDiploma or degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
\nValid driving license
\nBonus: Experience supervising small teams or working with social enterprises<\/p>\n
Compensation<\/p>\n
Competitive salary based on experience.
\nTransport support provided for travel between Rufunsa and Lusaka.<\/p>\n
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