Outgrowers Manager – Tea, Coffee and Perennial Crops

About the role

A leading agricultural company based in Bomet, Kenya, is hiring an Outgrowers Manager through its recruitment partner. The role focuses on securing a consistent, high-quality volume of green leaf from contracted smallholder farmers and ensuring their compliance with local regulations and international sustainability certifications.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure all green leaf supplied by outgrowers meets the company's strict quality standards, which is critical for the final made tea quality.
• Monitor and review green leaf production across the outgrower base and provide accurate forecasts of availability to the factory.
• Lead and manage the process of achieving and maintaining international sustainability certifications such as Rainforest Alliance (RA).
• Supervise and mentor the team of Extension Officers, giving them technical advice and training on best agronomic practices.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget for the outgrower program, controlling costs for inputs, extension activities and staff.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience managing agricultural outgrower schemes or extension services, preferably in tea, coffee or other high-value perennial crops.
• Proven track record leading and managing large field teams of Extension Officers.
• Demonstrated success achieving and maintaining international agricultural and sustainability certifications such as Rainforest Alliance.
• In-depth knowledge of Kenyan agricultural regulations, including the Crops Act (Tea Industry Regulations), and relevant labour and environmental laws.