Operations Lead

The Operations Lead will be responsible for assisting the Senior Area Manager in overseeing the full production cycle of sugarcane. The role involves key responsibilities across harvesting, maintenance, fertilisation, and weed management.

Key Responsibilities:

• To identify or develop alternative techniques and application methods aimed at cost reduction, with priority given to harvesting, fertiliser application, and weed management.
• To design and implement Research and Development programmes focused on improving harvesting efficiency, fertiliser application, and weed management practices in sugarcane cultivation.
• To develop, execute, and monitor detailed daily and weekly operational plans.
• To monitor the timing of fertiliser applications, typically commencing approximately 60 days after harvest for ratoon crops.
• To regularly calibrate and maintain application equipment, including boom sprayers, fertilisation machinery, and fertigation pumps, to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• To manage compost yard operations, ensuring proper handling, processing, and utilisation of organic matter.
• To plan, supervise, and manage vinasse application in line with agronomic requirements and environmental guidelines.
• To implement intensive weed control programmes during the first 90–150 days of crop growth to maximise yield potential.
• To integrate manual weeding, mechanical cultivation, and chemical herbicide applications (both pre-emergence and post-emergence) to achieve cost-effective weed control.
• To supervise the handling, storage, and application of herbicides in full compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and best agricultural practices.
• To develop and implement comprehensive preventive maintenance schedules for all agricultural machinery involved in fertiliser and herbicide application.
• To liaise closely with workshop sectional heads to ensure equipment availability, minimise downtime, and prevent delays during peak operational periods.
• To manage the efficient use of spare parts, fuel, and maintenance budgets to optimise operational costs and resource utilisation.
• To oversee the general maintenance of estate infrastructure, including access roads and related facilities.
• To lead, develop, and manage a diverse workforce by optimising labour deployment, enforcing stringent safety protocols, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure high productivity throughout the sugarcane production cycle.

Minimum experience requirements

• 4–5 years’ experience in an Operations Lead role in the agricultural sector.

Minimum education requirements

• Degree in agriculture, crop science, agricultural science or any related field.

Required skills

• Inter-personal and communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Self-motivated
• Effective researcher
• Strong attention to detail
• Computer literate