Chief Executive Officer

Our client is venturing into an Agri Start Up and is looking for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Agriculture (MSME Sector) with Reporting to an SPV with select Board of Directors / Owners. The venture is being self funded

The CEO will responsible for providing strategic, financial, and operational leadership for the entire enterprise, with particular emphasis on sustainable growth, profitability, and value creation in the agriculture sector. This includes leading the companys vision, developing high-performing teams, managing stakeholder relations, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

**Strategic Leadership**

• Develop and implement a clear growth strategy for both domestic markets and potential future expansion.
• Oversee the development and execution of annual and long-term business plans.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to identify business opportunities or risks.

**Agricultural Operations and Value Chain Management**

• Supervise farm, crop, processing, and distribution operations to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Drive innovation in agri-business practices, technology adoption, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, food safety, and health standards.

**Business Development Market Expansion**

• Identify new product lines, market channels, and partnership opportunities (including farmer networks, cooperatives, and suppliers).
• Strengthen customer relationships and create brand differentiation in target markets.
• Lead sales and marketing strategies to boost market share and income streams.

**Financial Resource Management**

• Plan, oversee, and analyze budgets, cash flows, and financial performance.
• Optimize resource allocation for inputs, equipment, land, and labor.
• Engage with investors, lenders, and financial institutions to support expansion and working capital needs.

**People Leadership Organizational Development**

• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain high-performing management and field teams.
• Foster a positive workplace culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and ethical values.
• Drive succession planning and talent development for future organizational stability.

**Stakeholder Board Engagement**

• Collaborate with board members, government agencies, external consultants, and community stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Prepare and present detailed performance reports, strategic proposals, and compliance updates to the Board.

**Operational Excellence Continuous Improvement**

• Implement scalable processes, operational audits, and performance monitoring systems.
• Lead change management, digital transformation, and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Rural Development, or related field.
• 7+ years progressive leadership experience in agriculture, agribusiness, food processing, or MSME management roles.
• Proven experience scaling businesses in high-growth, entrepreneurial environments.
• Strong knowledge of agriculture industry dynamics, government policies, and value chain optimization.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and budgeting expertise.
• Exceptional leadership, people management, and communication skills.
• Ability to build strategic partnerships, drive stakeholder engagement, and represent the enterprise externally.
• Proficiency in MS Office and agriculture-related digital platforms.
• Commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and rural community development.

Desired Attributes

• Visionary leadership and strategic mindset.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking ability.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic/agricultural environment.
• Passion for agricultural innovation and rural impact.

Compensation Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Health, retirement, and professional development benefits.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing your experience and vision for leading an agriculture MSME.

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