Operations Manager

Overview

The role focuses on field team management, program design, and operational excellence, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure sustainability objectives are met in Ghana's cocoa belt.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence
o Activity Planning: Develop annual plans for field activities based on customer programs, including certification programs, KPIs, and budgets.
o Workplan Management: Define detailed workplans with timelines for effective execution of sustainability activities in liaison with global and regional pillar leads.
o Budget & Efficiency: Oversee budget adherence and drive cost-effective procurement for all field activities.
o Targets Achievement: Ensure all operational targets are met within approved budget limits and timelines.
• Field Team Management
o Leadership & Performance: Act as a role model and foster a high-performance culture aligned with Barry Callebaut’s values.
o Resource Management: Oversee the allocation and upkeep of equipment and materials to support team efficiency.
o Talent Development: Identify training needs and development opportunities to support team growth.
o People Management: Manage the performance evaluation and development plans of direct reports.
• Program Design and Continuous Improvement
o Needs Assessment: Ensure that activities are needs-driven, tailored to local needs, and aligned with sustainability objectives.
o Program Feedback: Provide feedback on program feasibility and design to support improvements and scalability.
o Process Optimization: Drive standardization and process alignment, developing tools and SOPs to enhance program efficiency.
o Collaboration: Work closely with regional and global teams to strengthen program delivery and impact.
• Customers and Stakeholders Management
o Client Engagement: Coordinate clients’ visits and events and prepare detailed trip reports.
o Internal Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Sourcing, Sustainability, and M&E teams, to ensure aligned efforts.
o Partnership Monitoring: Oversee implementing partners to ensure deliverables are met according to contracts.
o Certification Compliance: Coordinate with Certification Bodies for all audit processes to ensure compliance with program standards.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
o Data Management: Establish frameworks and tools for tracking operational and financial KPIs.
o Progress Monitoring: Monitor and report on budget adherence, KPI achievement, and monthly/quarterly program updates.
o Audit Preparation: Lead third-party verification processes for program traceability, data management, premium payments, and impact measurement.
o Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate internal and external reporting on program results.
• Additional Responsibilities
o Perform all other tasks required for the proper conduct of the role and achievement of sustainability goals.

Requirements

o Master’s degree in Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience:
o At least 5 years of relevant experience in agronomy, agriculture, and sustainability program management.
o Experience in budgeting, cost management, and program execution.
o Knowledge of cocoa certifications and verification schemes and global and local regulations.
o Background in community development, particularly within Ghana’s cocoa industry dynamics and culture.
o Familiarity with farm services delivery models and field team leadership.
• Skills & Abilities:
o In-depth knowledge of certification schemes and sustainability standards.
o Resilient and adaptable, capable of balancing field operations with strategic discussions on sustainability.
o Strong communication and influence skills with an ability to motivate and engage field teams.