Farm Manager Jordan

Bakker Brothers is an internationally operating company specialized in the breeding, cultivation, and trade of vegetable seeds, with a focus on Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. We are particularly known for our beans, but we have also built a strong reputation with our breeding programs for onion, tomato, carrot, pepper, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon, and zucchini. Our headquarter is located in Noord-Scharwoude (The Netherlands), with a breeding station in Heerhugowaard and breeding/trial stations in Jordan, Egypt, Tanzania, and the United States.

For our station located in Jordan we are looking for a

Farm Manager

What will you do?

The R&D Farm Manager Jordan takes full responsibilities for the station facilities and the day-to-day management and execution of the operational activities of the Jordan farm as well as external trialing in Jordan with the latter in close collaboration with cooperating growers. You take responsibility for the optimum cultivation of the crops as well as the aimed trial purpose and results as data collection etc. Hereto, you will lead and supervise the operational team, e.g. permanent and seasonal labors, while you are contributing to the work yourself also as cooperating foremen. You are able to further develop the team and operational farm activities contributing to a continuous improvement and output of the farm. You report to the R&D Manager and locally to the Area Manager in a matrix structure. You demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, you are problem-solving and takes initiative and ownership ensuring the farm operates optimal.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare the annual planning for all operational activities on the farm, in
  consultation with stakeholders (breeders, development, and marketing
  colleagues).

• The excellent execution of the farm operational activities and cultivation of the
   crops in alignment with set (trial) goals.

• Management and maintenance of the farm and its facilities including machinery
   and equipment. Perform operational activities and crop cultivation with your
   team according to predefined goals (including trials).

• Set up external trials within the established framework, maintain relationships
  with growers, and organize field days.

• Responsible for data collection using internal tools and systems, quality seed
   production and all related aspects according to defined objectives and
   standards.

• Responsible for labor planning, daily management, and development of both
   permanent and temporary staff.

• Maintain contact with local actors (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, municipality,
   water boards, suppliers, staffing agencies) to ensure smooth farm operations.

• Ensures continuous compliance with regulations, internal policies and
  guidelines, and safe and responsible working environment (ESH).

Required skills:

• Develop strong and fruitful working relationships with colleagues both national
  and international as well as growers, nurseries, representatives, and suppliers.

• Lead, motivate, and inspire employees.

• You have an entrepreneurial spirit, are pro-active, organizational strong and
  result oriented, and have a great sense of responsibility.

• You are an effective communicator both oral (video conferencing) and written
  (as technical reports).

• Vegetable crop growing and accuracy in observing crop growth needs and
   implement appropriate cultivation measurements and fertilization.

• Accuracy in scouting pest and diseases and implement appropriate crop
  protection measurements.

• Ability to work independently but also effectively in (inter)national teams.

• Ability to clearly formulate problems and bottlenecks.

• Show flexibility and loyalty to ensure the continuity of the business.

• Able to work under fluctuating work pressure and long hours, especially during
  trial planting, evaluation, and harvest.

• Willingness to travel regularly, nationally and (occasional) internationally.

Optimal education/experience

• A completed university of applied sciences education, Agri Studies, Horticulture
  or Plant Protection.

• Work experience as farm and labors manager minimum 2 years.

• Experience with (vegetable) crop management and cultivation min. 2 years.

• Demonstrable experience in an international (breeding) environment is an
  advantage.

• Good working knowledge in Microsoft Office tools and skills (or ability to
  develop) with handheld data collection devices and associated software.

• High level in English (speaking, reading, and writing).

Our offer:

• An open, international work environment within a small dedicated team.

• Attractive employment conditions.

• Opportunities for personal development and growth.

Would you like to know more about the position or our company?
Please contact Office Bakker Brothers Jordan -
Email: Office.BBJ@bakkerbrothers.nl
We are only considering applications from candidates based in Jordan.