Assistant Manager – Certifications and Research

About the role

The Assistant Manager will oversee coffee production at estate level, ensuring compliance with multiple sustainability certifications, maintaining quality standards, and managing budgets and R&D trials.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and implement Rainforest Alliance, Café Practices, Nespresso AAA, 4C and Organic certifications, including portal applications and audit cycles.
• Maintain farm‑level SOPs for cultivation, harvesting, processing, drying, sorting, storage and transport.
• Monitor environmental initiatives, pest and disease control, and safety standards across the estate.
• Collect, analyse and share statistical data from ongoing R&D trials and mobilise workers for field activities.
• Manage budgets, control costs, oversee stock of chemicals, inputs and coffee, and ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Foster relationships with local communities, government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or Agribusiness.
• Minimum 5 + years progressive agribusiness management experience, with at least 3 years in coffee production.
• Fluent in English and Swahili, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Required skills

• Knowledge of Rainforest Alliance, Café Practices, Nespresso AAA, 4C and Organic certification processes.
• Expertise in farm‑level SOPs, pest and disease identification, and safety compliance.
• Ability to conduct statistical analysis of R&D trials and present findings.
• Financial management skills including budgeting, cost control and payroll administration.