Head of Agribusiness

Role Summary 

The Head of Agribusiness is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s (OPC) livestock operations, ensuring that they align with conservation priorities, generate revenue, and support community development. This role encompasses herding, feeding, movement and relocation of livestock, breeding and maternity care, commercial operations, livestock health in collaboration with veterinary services, and livestock security. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the role ensures the optimal performance, sustainability, and profitability of livestock enterprises. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Strategic Livestock Plans: Design and execute strategic plans to optimize livestock operations, aligning them with OPC’s conservation and revenue goals.  Establish benchmarks for operational efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. 
• Oversee Livestock Operations: Supervise herding, feeding, movement, and relocation activities to ensure efficient utilization of resources. Monitor grazing patterns to maintain ecological balance and prevent overgrazing. 
• Lead Livestock Breeding Programs: Direct breeding programs, including maternity care and reproductive health management. Implement strategies to enhance herd genetics, productivity, and sustainability. 
• Manage Commercial Livestock Activities: Oversee the slaughtering process, quality assurance, and delivery of livestock products to clients. Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and maintain strong relationships with commercial partners. 
• Ensure Livestock Health and Welfare: Collaborate with the Head of Veterinary Services to implement health monitoring protocols, vaccination schedules, and disease prevention strategies.  Ensure high standards of animal welfare across all operations. 
• Oversee Livestock Administration and Records: Establish and maintain accurate livestock records, including inventory, movement, and health data. Use data analytics to inform decision-making and ensure compliance with conservancy policies.
• Enhance Livestock Security: Develop and enforce security protocols to prevent theft, poaching,  and other risks. Supervise the Livestock Security Manager to ensure the safety of herds and related assets. 
• Agricultural Planning & Productivity: Work with our Agricultural partners to increase yields, plan and implement rotations, plan and implement fodder needs and schedules and verify harvests. 
• Drive Revenue Generation: Identify and develop new revenue streams within livestock operations, including value-added products and innovative market opportunities. Monitor market trends to optimise pricing and profitability. 
• Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Advocate for and implement sustainable farming practices that align with OPC’s conservation objectives. Work closely with community stakeholders to share knowledge and promote best practices. 
• Collaborate with Internal and External Stakeholders: Build strong relationships with conservation teams, local communities, government agencies, and commercial partners to support livestock operations and align them with OPC’s broader mission. 
• Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets for livestock operations, ensuring cost-effective resource utilisation. Monitor financial performance and implement corrective measures to achieve revenue and profit targets. 
• Lead and Develop Teams: Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team across all livestock and agriculture functions. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Division. 
• Any other additional responsibilities as maybe assigned from time to time. 

Professional Qualification & Membership to Professional Bodies 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Livestock Management or a related field.
• Master’s degree in relevant field will be an added advantage. 
• Specialized training in livestock breeding, health management, or sustainable agriculture is an added advantage. 

Experience. 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in livestock management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. 
• Proven expertise in commercial livestock operations, breeding programs, and sustainability initiatives. 
• Experience in conservation-focused or community-driven agricultural projects is an advantage. 

Skills 

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills. 
• Advanced knowledge of livestock health, breeding, and commercial operations. • Proficiency in financial management and budget oversight. 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Commitment to OPC’s mission and values.