SSG Extension Manager (Agric Ops- SA) at Tongaat Hulett

Purpose of Role

The proposed Extension Manager position will take full responsibility to provide extension services to the growers at Mill area level. The primary function is to increase cane production and ensure the sustainability of small scale growers. This is a strategic imperative of the company. The key functions will include ensuring best agronomic practice, cane quality management, cane delivery performance and compliance with legal requirements by growers. In addition a close working relationship with all the key role players involved in the supply chain of growing sugarcane (growers, contractors and communal leadership structures) using appropriate agronomic standards. The small scale growers at Makhathini area either farm as individuals or Cooperatives.

Top Accountabilities

• To work and support all stakeholders involved in cane supply to Felixton Mill thus ensuring a well-coordinated cane delivery to the Mill.
• To lead and manage the Extension Services cost center with a focus on people and vehicle costs.
• Provide Agronomic advice in cane growing ensuring best agronomic practice to the small-scale growers.
• To take responsibility for generating annual cane estimates and ensuring that actual cane delivered to the mill does not deviate by more than 5% from the guaranteed estimate.
• To expand the footprint of Extension Services in the communal areas by identifying potential areas for cane development and ensure grower sustainability.
• To fully understand the Sugar Industry dynamics affecting SSG growers (i.e., tariffs, sugar tax, supplementary payment funds, Umthombo retention scheme, industry/ government grant schemes) and their potential impact on the sustainability/ viability of small-scale growers.
• To encourage growers to use Umthombo Ratoon Retention Scheme to keep enough funds aside to buy and apply inputs on time.
• To facilitate the introduction of new& appropriate cane varieties by working with SASRI& and Grower Structures involved in seed cane production to promote new seed bed areas.
• To ensure that planned cane development projects are implemented timeously per appropriate agronomic conditions prevailing at the time, and within allocated budget.
• To lead the back to basic principle of Agronomy, which includes soil sampling to determine crop nutrients required, correct land preparation before planting and weed control to promote vertical growth.
• To monitor and manage contractor performance to improve cane quality through reducing burn harvest to crush delays (BHTCD) and hauler allocations. To coordinate cane transport, adhere to allocations and ensure proper communication with the Mill Cane Supply Team.
• To keep an accurate operational performance plan broken down annually, monthly and weekly as a fundamental management tool.
• To have sensitivity towards the socio-political issues surrounding the business environment in which THL SSG operations take place. The knowledge of the role played by the existing Grower Leadership Structures (Mill Cane
• Committee) and Traditional Authorities will be of strategic importance.
• To use geographical information system (GIS) to administer and keep accurate data for grower cane dispositions, yields and cane deliveries in the "Crop Managed' system. Ensure that maps of cane supply areas are kept up to date.
• Maintain good stakeholder engagement and communication: facilitate grower days, workshops and feedback sessions on various aspects of farming and governance issues especially amongst cooperatives.
• Train growers and co-operatives on how to minimize business risk in communal areas e.g. arson fires and animal grazing on sugarcane.
• To always ensure that the THL operational procedures and rules are adhered to at Mill area level by all staff members. This will include the SHE Policy, Risk and training & development for staff members, disciplinary and grievance procedures and use of company resources.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• A tertiary qualification in Agricultural Management or equivalent and a Senior Certificate in Sugarcane from SASRI
• More than 5 years of work experience in Sugar Industry, of which two years must have been spent in sugarcane agriculture.
• Must be able to communicate both in English and isiZulu. Communicates effectively and shares information and knowledge using appropriate channels to both individuals and groups. Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Must have a valid Driver's License with driving experience
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Results focus – Demonstrates courage, drive and determination to achieve results.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Barriers to success in Role

• Lack of independence and self-motivation.
• Lack of high ethical values and professional maturity.
• Lack of confidence, assertive personality & inability to work as a team.
• Inability to Influence and motivate others.
• Inability to work, make decisions under pressure and initiative.
• Lack of attention to details.
• Lack of good planning and organizing skills.
• Lack of a service/customer-oriented approach
• Lack of ability to timeously attend to matters as per policy and procedure