Human Resource Director, Managers (HR, Strategy, Security, Internal Audit, Production, Finance ), GM (Kibo Seed TZ) and Sales Officer (Simlaw) -Kenya Seed Jobs

Introduction

Kenya Seed Company, a leading seed producer in Eastern Africa, recently completed an organizational restructuring which resulted in the establishment of new positions.

It is against this background that we are seeking to recruit results oriented individuals to fill the following key positions based in Kitale, Nairobi and Arusha - Tanzania.

1. Director Human Resources and Administration 

Ref: DHR/01/2011

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Job Holder shall be responsible for development, implementation and review of human resources and administration strategies, policies and procedures in the company.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Plan, organize and direct human resource and administration activities, including recruitment and selection, organizational development and training, affirmative action, property and risk management.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of Human Resource goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
• Responsible for conducting salary/wage surveys within labor markets to determine competitive rates.
• Represents management in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, mediation, arbitration proceedings and responsible for resolving labor disputes and grievances.
• Develop and directs the Human Resource and Administration Directorate budget.
• Ensure development and implementation of occupational health and safety programs and insurance plans.
• Oversee the general administration of the company’s assets and facilities including use and custody of motor vehicles, buildings, insurance etc.
• Responsible for allocation and usage of office space, furniture, equipment and other office necessities in order to create a conducive working environment for all employees at all times.
• Design and develop policies and procedures to ensure that the company‘s compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment are sufficient to attract, motivate and retain the required number and caliber of staff.
• Establish and maintain appropriate Human Resource Information Systems (HRMIS).

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Human Resources Management
• A masters’ degree in Human Resources, Business Administration and/or Diploma in Human Resource Management is an added advantage.
• Membership of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) or a relevant professional body.
• A good understanding and knowledge of the Kenyan Labour Laws.
• Experience in handling Industrial/labour relations, wages and tax, gratuity and pension administration matters.
• Knowledge of public sector performance contracting regime.
• Computer literacy
• Be of high integrity and ability to meet stringent deadlines.
• Have at least 10 years relevant experience 6 of which at senior management level in a busy business environment.

2. Human Resource Manager

Ref: HRM/02/2011

Reporting to the Director Human Resource and Administration, the job holder will spearhead the implementation and review of human resources policies and procedures in the company.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Liaise with the Director in development and implementation of Human Resource work plans, review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Manage employees’ records on recruitment, training, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, disciplinary process and terminations.
• Coordinates specific Human Resources planning, training and development.
• Assist the Director in development and implementation of competitive and sustainable reward policies and systems.
• Facilitate consultations and/or negotiations with the labour union and ensure harmonious relationships with the employees and their elected representatives.
• Handle all human resource issues including attendance and/or absenteeism, leave, recruitment, pension/retirement benefits and coordinate performance management activities.
• Facilitate the formulation and review of all relevant Human Resource policies in line with the new labour laws and enhance good HR management practices exemplified by teamwork, recognition, etc.
• Develop and implement staff welfare initiatives.
• Liaise with the Director in developing appropriate Human resource budgets and plans.

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• A degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration or Business Management from a recognized university.
• A masters’ degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences (Human Resources Management option) and/or Diploma in Human Resource Management is an added advantage.
• A good understanding and knowledge of the Kenyan Labour Laws and experience in handling labour relations.
• Must have excellent hands-on experience in Human Resource Management Information Systems packages (HRMIS).
• Be of high integrity and ability to meet stringent deadlines.
• Have at least 8 years relevant experience 5 of which should be at senior management level in a busy business oriented environment.
• Be a member of a relevant professional body.

3. Planning & Strategy Manager

Ref: PSM/03/2011

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Reporting to Director Finance and Strategy, the job holder will lead and implement the process of strategy development and business planning.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Support in developing, monitoring and reporting company’s strategic and operational plans.
• Analyze and monitor business performance, industry trends, existing or new regulatory requirements and their impact on business operations.
• Carry out feasibility studies, market and competitor analysis to determine viability of all company projects.
• Make recommendations on alternative courses of action, including risk assessment, capital investment, acquisitions and expansion at the corporate level;
• Support in maintaining and implementing risk management policy.
• Monitor national and international developments as they relate to company’s strategic plan and risk tolerance profile.
• Identify strategic and operational opportunities and risks and advise the management on an appropriate course of action;
• Develop, implement and maintain a cost allocation model and system of data collection to support the understandability of budgets and service delivery;
• Develop, implement and maintain a budget planning process, and – in consultation with budget holders – prepare a budget to support delivery of the strategic objectives;
• Maximize the linkage between planning and business development by forging and maintaining key relationships with all service and production departments
• Manage the quality management system in place and ensure full implementation of its quality objectives, policies and procedures.
• Carry out monitoring and evaluation of company projects.

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Agricultural economics or related field
• Master’s degree in strategic management or related field is an added advantage
• At least 8 years work experience, 5 of which in senior management position in a recognized organization.
• Excellent grasp of ICT based analytical techniques
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ability to meet strict deadlines with attention to quality.
• Desire to develop strong working relationships across cultural and geographic boundaries.
• Clear demonstration of strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent influencing & facilitation skills and team player
• Proven ability to contribute to strategy formulation and track record in leading substantial planning activity.
• Strong research, problem solving, decision making and organization skills.

4. Security Manager

Ref: SM/04/2011

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Reporting to the Managing Director, the job holder will be responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive and cost effective security system to ensure maximum protection of the company’s assets and employees.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Advising the management on the security requirements for the company and developing sound security policies and procedures.
• Directing and controlling security operations within and around the company premises.
• Working closely with the out-sourced security service provider to ensure effective security for the company.
• Managing any internal investigations and acting as liaison officer with all other interested parties both internal and external including the police, regulators and auditors.
• Identifying security risks and evaluating alternative ways of addressing them
• Improving security surveillance, detection and prevention of crime in liaison with the police and other security agencies
• Ensuring effective deployment and utilization of guards and equipment
• Coordinating with appropriate law enforcement agencies to identify and facilitate investigative actions.
• Evaluating new technology based security solutions
• Preparing and managing the security budget.
• Maintaining comprehensive records of all investigations findings and action plan among other responsibilities.

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in criminology from a recognized university.
• Must have been in disciplined forces having attained the rank of a Chief Inspector of Police or Major
• A proven track record in Fraud Investigations.
• At least 10 years security management experience in a reputable organization
• Be of unquestionable integrity and have excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Strong oral communication skills and ability to multitask, organize and meet deadlines.
• Must be a team player.
• Computer literacy.

5. Internal Audit Manager

Ref: IAM/05/2011

Reporting to the Board and Managing Director, the job holder will carry out audit activities in accordance with International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

Key duties and responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and carries out the internal audit function including the preparation of an audit plan which fulfils the responsibility of the department, scheduling and assigning work and estimating resource needs requirements.
• Reports to management on the policies, programmes and activities of the department.
• Establishes risk-based plans to determine the priorities of Internal Audit function.
• Communicates Internal Audit activities, plans and resource requirements to management.
• Ensures compliance with International audit standards.
• Carry out business risk analysis.
• Manages the internal audit unit, and prepares reports to the Board of Directors
• Carry out monitoring and evaluation of audit recommendations.

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• Bachelors degree in commerce, accounting or its equivalent from recognized University
• CPA (K) or its equivalent
• Relevant masters degree is an added advantage
• 8 years experience in auditing
• Good working knowledge of office systems software.

6. Production Manager

Ref: PM/06/2011

Reporting to the Director Operations & Research, the job holder will oversee production activities of all seed crops in the company.

He/she will be expected to provide strong leadership to facilitate the achievement of the set targets.

Key duties and responsibilities

• To ensure that the required quantities of basic and certified seeds are produced.
• To ensure timely recruitment of growers and provision of technical support.
• To ensure quality standards are attained at all stages of production by working closely with the certifying agency, and other Departments.
• Foster transparency and good governance practices within the department.
• To ensure appropriate work plans are developed and executed on the basis of the Strategic Plan, Performance Contract and the work plan.
• To manage and coordinate staff matters within the department and influence desired changes in working styles, attitudes and work ethics and ensure appraisal of all staff.
• Formulate and manage the departmental budget, develop comprehensive performance targets and submit reports as and when required.
• To lead in conservation of environment within and without production zones.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information that comes by virtue of appointment and in the course of assigned duties.

Qualifications, experience and capabilities

• Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture or a related field from a recognized University.
• Masters degree in agronomy or related field is an added advantage.
• 8 years experience in seed production, 5 of which must have been at Senior Field Officer level or above.
• Good working knowledge of office systems software.
• Be conversant with Seeds and Plant Varieties Act Cap 326 of the laws of Kenya, ISTA regulations and OECD requirements for varietal certification.

7. Finance Manager 

Ref: FM/07/2011

Reporting to the Director Finance & Strategy, the job holder will be responsible for the following;

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Liaise with the Director in the development and implementation of sound financial management system procedures.
• Timely preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory and statutory accounting requirements.
• Manage financial resources effectively and efficiently through the development of activity based budgets and implementation of strict budgetary control measures.
• Assist in analyzing the company’s financial results and advising management on appropriate performance improvement strategies.
• Manage daily financial transactions and ensure that they are carried out in accordance with acceptable accounting standards.
• Analyze the financial activities of the company and suggest ways to make it more cost effective
• Work with different departments in the company to evaluate budgets and ensure that budgetary provisions are adhered to.
• Assist in implementation of financial management strategies and control systems in order to monitor the flow of funds, adherence to the budget, expenditures, income and cost of sales.
• Prepare management reports as required.

Qualification, experience and capabilities:

• Bachelors’ degree in Commerce, Business Administration (Accounting Option), Finance from a recognized University.
• Professional qualifications i.e CPA (K) or ACCA
• Masters Degree in Business Administration, Finance from a reputable university is an added advantage.
• Have demonstrated experience in improving organizational efficiency and performance.
• Have at least 8 years post-qualification experience in financial management 6 of which should be at senior level in a reputable organization.
• Have hands on experience in computerized accounting applications/software.
• Have the ability to work under pressure.
• A strong team player of high integrity.
• Have good interpersonal and communication skills

8. General Manager – Kibo Seed Company, Tanzania 

Ref: GM/08/2011

Reporting to the Board and Managing Director, Kenya Seed Company, the General Manager will be head of the Kibo Seed Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenya Seed Company.

He/she will be expected to provide strong and inspirational leadership to the company to facilitate the achievement of the set goals and objectives of the Company.

Key duties and responsibilities

• To supervise all staff of the company and ensure highest standards of discipline are upheld.
• To ensure proper management, custody and optimal utilization of the company’s resources.
• To facilitate the implementation of the Board of Director’s policies and decisions.
• To develop and submit to the Board business plans and annual operating budgets and strategic plans for consideration and approval from time to time.
• To drive the organization’s culture change agenda in order to inculcate the core values of honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability and good corporate governance practices.
• To institute proper internal control systems and procedures to safeguard both the Company’s physical and intangible assets.
• To oversee and promote best practices in the procurement process of goods and services by ensuring that the laid down government procurement regulations and guidelines are strictly complied with.
• To formulate appropriate promotional strategies and specific programmes to popularize company products, hasten adoption and consequently increase market share.
• To continually evaluate and put in place a distribution network that is adequate and active at all times.
• To represent management in field days, tours, agricultural shows and any other meetings beneficial to the company.
• To promote local production, processing, packaging and import and export of seed.
• Carry out monitoring and evaluation of company projects.

Qualification, experience and capabilities:

• A degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Commerce or related field from a recognized university.
• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Agriculture or a relevant field is an added advantage.
• Working knowledge in production, processing, packaging, import, export and marketing of seed products is an added advantage.
• Must have at least eight (8) years relevant experience 5 of which must be at senior management level.
• Be able to draw and understand budgets, planning and forecasts.
• Have strong managerial, communication and leadership skills.
• Be conversant with the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act CAP 326 Laws of Kenya and any other relevant laws applicable in Tanzania.
• Knowledge of the East African Market.
• Have good working knowledge of office systems software.

9. Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Simlaw Seeds Company

Ref: CMO/09/2011

Reporting to the General Manager Simlaw Seeds Company, the job holder will be responsible for development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Supervise and guide sales and marketing team
• Develop and execute sales and marketing strategies
• Oversee successful introduction of new products in the market
• Manage the processing of import/export orders and develop and maintain stock reorder system
• Develop and execute market penetration and retention strategies
• Review the distribution chain and recommend ways of making it more efficient
• Assist in the provision of technical advisory services to clients
• Prepare the departments’ annual budget, monthly and quarterly reports
• Ensure seed stock safety and high standard of hygiene in all the company outlets.
• To procure sales orders, ensure they are adequately serviced and finally ensure all monies are duly paid for all the products so supplied.
• To carry out after sales trips, receive regular reports on stock requirements, customer satisfaction, complaints, competition activities and any other information useful to the company.
• To spot check correctness of seed stocks delivered to our various Agents and sub Agents , and to report any anomalies so identified.

Qualification, experience and capabilities:

• A degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration or Business Management from a recognized university.
• A masters’ degree in Marketing or Business Administration and/or Diploma in Marketing is an added advantage.
• Be of high integrity and ability to meet stringent deadlines.
• Good communication skills
• Have at least 8 years relevant experience 5 of which should be at senior management position.
• Be a member of a professional body.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications with detailed CVs to jobs@kenyaseed.co.ke on or before Friday, 28th October, 2011. 

Your CV should include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.

Please note that all the above positions are on a 3 year contract, renewable based on performance. 

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.