COFFEE MANAGER

About

A large commercial agricultural business is seeking an experienced Coffee Manager to lead its coffee operations, from establishing new plantings through to harvesting and post-harvest processing. This is a hands-on role requiring proven practical experience in commercial coffee production, with responsibility for crop management, production quality, field teams, and overall coffee operations.

Key Duties

• Planning and overseeing land preparation, field layout, planting, and the establishment of new coffee fields.
• Managing nursery operations, seedling selection, and transplanting.
• Overseeing irrigation, crop nutrition, weed control, mulching, and shade management.
• Implementing pruning and crop management programmes to maintain healthy, productive coffee trees.
• Monitoring pests and diseases and coordinating appropriate control measures.
• Planning and supervising harvesting to ensure coffee cherries are picked at the correct stage of ripeness.
• Overseeing post-harvest processing, drying, grading, and storage to maintain coffee quality.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising field teams while setting clear targets and work schedules.
• Preparing production budgets, yield forecasts, and input requirements.
• Maintaining accurate records of field activities, costs, yields, and quality.
• Ensuring safe working practices and the responsible use of agricultural inputs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing commercial coffee production, including planting, growing, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Strong practical knowledge of coffee agronomy, irrigation, crop nutrition, pruning, and pest and disease management.
• Experience establishing new coffee plantings and managing mature crops.
• Strong staff supervision, planning, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, monitor costs, and maintain production records.
• Willingness to work hands-on in the field and take responsibility for crop performance.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel within Southern Malawi.
• A qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Experience growing Arabica coffee and using intercropping systems will be an added advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents by email: An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV); A brief cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their practical experience in commercial coffee production, particularly in establishing coffee fields, managing mature crops, harvesting, and post-harvest processing.