🇳🇬 Job Vacancies @ SAO Group – 6 Positions

SAO Group is one of Africa’s leading Social Impact Investment and Advisory firm operating exclusively in the agriculture sector across Africa, particularly in Nigeria. We are seeking to create positive economic impact and long-term value for private investors from the project planning to commissioning stage executed by carefully selected experts specific to each project and business unit within the Group.

We are a firm with a national and global outlook that focuses on the strategic development of transformational projects that create a sustainable economic impact for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work.

We are recruiting to fill the following positions below:

1.) Farm Manager
2.) Fleet Manager
3.) GIS Expert
4.) Head of Agriculture / Agriculture Director
5.) Agri-Business Associate
6.) Plantation Manager

Job Title: Farm Manager

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all aspects of daily farm operations for oil palm, poultry, fisheries, and cash crops, ensuring adherence to best practices, efficiency, and smooth running.
• Implement production strategies to maximize crop yields/livestock output while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Lead and motivate a team of farm workers, providing ongoing training, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring safety compliance.
• Manage farm budgets effectively, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing operational costs to achieve revenue generation targets.
• Collect and analyze farm data to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and generate comprehensive reports for the Agriculture Director/Head of Agriculture.
• Champion sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and promote long-term agricultural success.

Who You Are

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or a related field is preferred; a diploma in agriculture with extensive experience may be considered.
• A results-oriented Farm Manager with a minimum of 5+ years of experience in managing large-scale, multi-crop/livestock farms.
• Proven track record of success in increasing farm productivity, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural practices for oil palm, poultry, fisheries, and cash crops relevant to the Nigerian context.
• Strong commitment to sustainable farming principles and a passion for environmentally responsible agriculture.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to motivate, guide, and collaborate effectively with a diverse farm team.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis tools (a plus).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Fleet Manager

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

What You’ll Do

• Carry out periodic maintenance and servicing of our machinery and equipment used for daily farming operations. Our fleet includes heavy tractors, trailers, trucks, large vehicles and motorbikes..
• Support in the purchase and  leasing of heavy farming machinery to expand business income opportunities
• Support and maintain day-to-day operations of equipment, manage inventory of equipment stockpile and parts
• Carry out  periodical inspection of our food processing machines, supervise the repair of machines and minimize downtime
• Analyze mechanical problems or deficiencies in our fleet and develop solutions to resolve them
• Conduct experiments and evaluations to improve and innovate relevant farming solutions.
• Manage other third-party field operations contractors and budgetary planning with management.
• Ensure that SAO processing equipment is in best-in-class conditions and meets standard regulations upon inspections.

Competence Requirements
Professional / Academic qualifications:

• B.Eng. Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering. M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering is an added advantage.
• Relevant licenses as a professional engineer such as COREN

Experience/Knowledge:

• 8+ Years of similar experience working in a similar department and large-sized farm/organization.
• Hands-on experience in fleet maintenance and servicing
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Highly analytical mind, with exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Results-orientated and pragmatic with exceptional quantitative and analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Independent thinker and worker who can juggle multiple projects simultaneously with fast-changing priorities.
• A Tech-savvy individual who embraces new software and online tools and is personally interested in tech-enabled solutions.
• Comfortable and effective in managing and communicating with team members and stakeholders based remotely or traveling in different time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and other Nigerian languages.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: GIS Expert

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement a comprehensive GIS strategy to support SAO Agro’s agricultural activities.
• Utilize GIS software to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data related to soil types, crop health, weather patterns, and land use.
• Create high-quality maps and reports to communicate complex spatial information to stakeholders.
• Identify and implement innovative GIS solutions to optimize farm operations, improve resource allocation, and enhance yield potential.
• Collaborate with farm and plantation managers, field staff, and other departments to leverage GIS data for informed decision-making.
• Maintain and update spatial databases, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest GIS technologies and trends, recommending and implementing new tools and approaches.

Who You Are

• A Bachelor's Degree in Geography, Environmental Science, GIS, or a related field is preferred.
• A GIS professional with a minimum of 3+ years of experience in an agricultural or environmental setting.
• Proven experience in using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Strong understanding of spatial data concepts, geospatial analysis techniques, and remote sensing applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex spatial data into actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
• A problem-solving mindset and a passion for applying GIS technology to real-world agricultural challenges.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Head of Agriculture / Agriculture Director

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute a comprehensive agricultural strategy aligned with SAO Agro’s vision and SAO Group’s overall goals.
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations for various agricultural projects, including production, processing, and sales within the framework of SAPZ (Special Agricultural Processing Zones).
• Implement best practices in sustainable agriculture to ensure efficient resource utilization, high-quality yields, and environmental responsibility.
• Lead a team of over 50 agricultural professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Drive profitability by optimizing resource allocation, cost control, and revenue generation strategies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, identify new technologies, and implement innovative practices that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Represent SAO Agro at presentations with agricultural agencies, actively seeking funding opportunities and grants for further agricultural development.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, suppliers, local communities, and investors.

Who You Are

• A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field; a master’s degree is a strong plus.A seasoned agricultural leader with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in managing diverse agricultural operations.
• Proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategic agricultural plans for profitability and growth.
• Strong understanding of sustainable farming practices and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Excellent financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and achieving financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a large team.
• Proficiency in agricultural software and data analysis tools (a plus).

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Agri-Business Associate

Location: Abuja
Job Type: Full time

What You'll Do

• Analyze market trends, identify new opportunities for SAO Agro’s agricultural products, and gather competitive intelligence to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage efficient supply chains for agricultural inputs and outputs. Your responsibilities will include sourcing, contracting with suppliers, managing logistics, and cost control.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret agricultural data to generate reports that support informed decision-making across SAO Agro.
• Assist with various agricultural projects as assigned, ensuring smooth execution and timely completion.
• Design and present analytical business and financial reports for the  senior management
• Develop business cases and presentations that are pivotal to the business growth

Who You Are

• A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Finance or a related field.
• 3-4  years of experience in a finance or agri-finance firm.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel) is a must.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian agricultural sector (a plus).
• A passion for agriculture and a desire to contribute to the growth of the agribusiness industry.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Plantation Manager

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement comprehensive agricultural plans to maximize yield, optimize resource utilization, and achieve production targets.
• Oversee all aspects of plantation operations, including land management, planting, cultivating, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Implement sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing environmental impact and promoting soil health.
• Manage a team of agricultural professionals, fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and employee development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and local communities.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest agricultural technologies and innovations, implementing those that improve efficiency and sustainability.

Who You Are

• A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or a related field; a master’s degree is a strong plus.
• A seasoned agricultural professional with a minimum of 8+ years of experience in managing large-scale plantation operations.
• Proven track record of success in achieving production targets, optimizing resources, and implementing sustainable practices.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural practices, crop management techniques, and relevant agronomics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address operational challenges.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team, build rapport with stakeholders, and deliver clear instructions.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online