The Agronomist will leverage strong expertise in agriculture, particularly horticulture and fruit farming to lead the technical setup and operations of ReelFruit's own farms, improve productivity across partner farms, and manage commitments within the company's raw material supply network (farmers, traders, and aggregators) both within and outside Nigeria.
This role combines technical field execution, supplier development, and data-driven advisory, ensuring that ReelFruit's fruit supply meets quality, sustainability, and commercial standards.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Field & Farm Operations (ReelFruit-owned farms and external partner farmers)
Stay current with innovative trends and best practices in fruit farming to improve farm productivity and sustainability
Coordinate and supervise field/extension agents to ensure proper use of tools, pesticides, manure, and disease prevention practices
Conduct regular field visits to monitor farm activities, identify gaps, and recommend improvement
Analyze field data to support decision-making, project planning, and problem-solving for farmers
Review soil and crop samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, and abnormalities
Develop and implement improved planting, cultivation, irrigation, and harvesting techniques
Prepare training materials and conduct GAP-based trainings through presentations and farm demonstrations
Provide technical support across the fresh fruit supply chain, including aggregation and harvesting standards
Review raw material test results for supplier selection and approval
Commercial Fresh Fruit Mapping & Supplier Onboarding
Map fruit production zones to identify and source reliable farmers and aggregators across value chains
Source and onboard multiple suppliers to secure quality raw materials across peak and off-seasons
Negotiate supplier contracts to achieve the best price - quality balance
Ensure supplier onboarding and contracts comply with company SOPs and policies
Maintain strong relationships with farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, and agro-dealers
Ensure all activities align with approved budgets, cash forecasts, and financial plans
Represent the company professionally at all times
Reporting, Evaluation & Advisory
Develop budgets and forecasts for farm and field activities
Maintain accurate records of farmers, field agents, crops, trainings, and samples
Evaluate supplier performance and growth to support investment and sourci decisions
Ensure accurate and timely data entry by field teams to enable real-time reporting
Generate and present reports to management and key stakeholders
Monitor field team performance and recommend capacity-building or upskilling where needed
Recommend recruitment of extension agents or ad-hoc staff to support farm and farmer engagement activities
Educational Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Extension Management, Crop Science, or a related field
Master's Degree is an added advantage
Minimum of 5 - 6 years' experience managing food or fruit crops
Proficiency in MS Office and relevant agricultural or diagnostic software
Required Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of fruit farming, especially mango, pineapple, coconut, and banana
Physical fitness and willingness to work extensively in the field
Excellent people management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong analytical, research, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
Proven leadership and team management experience
Strong negotiation and commercial awareness
Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills
High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in multicultural environments
Willingness to travel frequently