Agricultural & Conservation Operations Director

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Agricultural & Conservation Operations Director

Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Agricultural & Conservation Operations Director to lead and optimise our end-to-end fibre supply operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring a reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply chain from harvesting and third-party suppliers through to final delivery.

Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence, improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and support the continued growth and scaling of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full fibre supply operation, including harvesting, logistics, contractor management, quality control, and supply chain coordination.
• Develop and implement operational plans to ensure efficient and reliable biomass feedstock supply.
• Establish and manage planning, reporting, monitoring, and performance management systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Manage relationships with contractors, transport providers, suppliers, and key operational partners.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools to support data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee forecasting, capacity planning, and operational resource allocation.
• Identify operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to support strategic growth and operational scaling.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Forestry, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–10 years' operational leadership experience in a complex operational environment.
• Proven experience within a consulting, international corporate, or similarly structured professional environment.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing operational performance.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers, and multiple operational stakeholders.
• Strong reporting, forecasting, and operational planning skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to work on-site in Gqeberha.

Advantageous Experience

• Background in forestry, agriculture, biomass, natural resources, logistics, or field-based operations.
• Knowledge of harvesting operations and large-scale supply chain management.
• Experience implementing operational reporting systems, dashboards, and performance management frameworks.