Role Overview:

The Estates Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of Zambezi Cashew Company Limited’s plantations, ensuring sustainable production, efficient land use, and optimal yields. The role manages cultivation, harvesting, workforce supervision, infrastructure development, and the outgrower scheme, aligning all estate activities with the company’s goal of producing export-grade cashew nuts and maximizing productivity, profitability, and shareholder value.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Plantation Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the existing plantation and plan expansion
• Develop and implement comprehensive plantation development strategies in phased approaches
• Manage cashew tree cultivation, maintenance, pruning, pest control, and harvesting operations
• Ensure optimal tree health, growth rates, and yield maximization across all planted areas
• Coordinate seasonal activities including land preparation, planting, fertilization, and harvest timing

2. Strategic Planning & Development

• Develop long-term estate development plans aligned with company’s scaling objectives
• Plan and execute phased plantation expansion to support processing plant capacity requirements
• Design and implement sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation measures
• Coordinate with management on investment planning for plantation infrastructure and equipment

3. Outgrower Scheme Development & Management

• Establish, develop, and manage comprehensive outgrower programs in line with IDC mandate
• Recruit, train, and support smallholder farmers in cashew cultivation best practices
• Develop outgrower contracts, pricing mechanisms, and quality standards
• Coordinate extension services and technical support for outgrower participants
• Ensure reliable supply chain from outgrowers to guarantee processing plant stockfeed

4. Team Leadership & Human Resources

• Lead and manage plantation workforce including supervisors, field workers, and seasonal laborers
• Recruit, train, and develop plantation staff in technical and safety competencies
• Implement performance management systems and ensure adherence to labor standards
• Coordinate with HR on workforce planning for seasonal variations and expansion phases
• Promote workplace safety, health protocols, and community employment opportunities

5. Quality Control & Productivity

• Establish and maintain quality standards for cashew nut production to meet export specifications
• Implement productivity improvement initiatives and monitor key performance indicators
• Coordinate with processing plant requirements to ensure quality raw material supply
• Develop and maintain plantation record-keeping systems for traceability and compliance

6. Budget Management & Financial Oversight

• Prepare annual plantation budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure cost-effective operations
• Manage procurement of agricultural inputs, equipment, and services within approved budgets
• Coordinate with finance team on cost analysis, profitability assessments, and investment proposals
• Implement cost control measures and efficiency improvements

7. Stakeholder Management & Community Relations

• Maintain positive relationships with local communities, traditional leaders, and government agencies
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies on compliance with agricultural and environmental regulations
• Represent the company in agricultural forums, industry associations, and stakeholder meetings
• Support community development initiatives aligned with company’s social responsibility objectives

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 Certificate with five (5) O Levels.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry, Crop Science, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in plantation management, estates operations, or large-scale commercial agriculture, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Demonstrated experience in tree crop management (preferably cashew, macadamia, mango, or similar crops).
• Proven track record of managing outgrower schemes or community-based agriculture programs. 

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

You must posses the following skills and knowledge:

• Leadership and People Management: Ability to inspire, motivate, and manage diverse teams.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, soil management, pest control, and modern farming technologies.
• Strategic Planning: Excellent ability to develop and execute long-term operational plans.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills to address operational challenges.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with the team, outgrowers, and senior management.
• Financial Acumen: Competence in budget management and cost control.

Application Process:

Qualified candidates who are eager to contribute to the success of Zambezi Cashew Company Limited and are willing to be based in Mongu, Western Province, should submit their application.

All applications are online by clicking or typing in the web browser and completing the online form below:

https://forms.office.com/r/nBkkKnxfXU

Or Scan

The deadline for receiving applications shall be 17^th October 2025.

Zambezi Cashew Company Limited is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.