Yalelo Uganda Head of Land Operations

The Position

The Head of Land Operations will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all land-based operations, playing a critical role in scaling Yalelo Uganda’s operational capabilities. This role is also critical in linking farm production with markets, ensuring product quality, operational efficiency, cost control, and regulatory compliance in a developing‑market environment. A highly motivated leader with a strong operational background, a drive for continuous improvement, and the ambition to contribute meaningfully to the next phase of Yalelo’s development is required for this role

Your key responsibilities are:

• Operational Leadership
  • Lead and oversee all land-based operations(Engineering, Processing & Distribution and Stores), ensuring
    efficiency, reliability, and alignment with company objectives.
  • Drive operational excellence through performance management, standardization, and continuous
    improvement initiatives.
  • Translate strategic goals into executable operational plans
• People & Leadership
  • Build, lead, and develop high-performing operational teams with a strong culture of accountability, quality
    assurance, reliability, safety, and results.
  • Act as a visible leader on the ground, setting high standards and motivating teams to deliver consistently.
  • Support talent development, succession planning, and capability building across operations.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders, ranging from government officials to local
    leaders
• Engineering
  • Oversee land-based infrastructure and facilities, and engineering-related operations.
  • Manage engineering teams to ensure optimal asset utilization, preventive maintenance, and future capacity expansion.
  • Lead capital expenditure planning and execution for land-based operational projects.
  • Develop and enforce preventative maintenance schedules to minimize breakdowns and downtime
  • Ensure reliable power and utilities, including generator management and fuel planning.
  • Plan and manage capital expenditure projects, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure expansion.
  • Ensure compliance with occupational safety, electrical, and environmental regulations applicable in Uganda.
  • Respond effectively to emergencies and critical equipment failures.
• Processing & Distribution
  • Work closely with supply chain, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure smooth flow of inputs,
    materials, and outputs.
  • Optimize inventory management, supplier performance, and cost efficiency across land operations.
  • Partner with commercial, finance, and quality teams to align operational delivery with business needs.
• Support to Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance
  • Champion a strong Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) culture across all land‑based operations.
  • Ensure compliance with: Ugandan labor laws and occupational health and safety requirements, environmental regulations (waste management, effluent, emissions) and food safety and quality standards
  • Lead investigations into accidents, near misses, and quality incidents, implementing corrective and
    preventative actions.
  • Prepare for and manage internal and external audits, inspections, and certifications
• Performance, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Establish and monitor KPIs related to productivity, cost, quality, safety, and sustainability.
  • Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal standards, and best practices.
  • Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies

Job Requirements

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably in manufacturing, food production, agribusiness, or industrial environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Aquaculture, Food Science, Industrial Management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional certification is an added advantage.
• At least 2 years in a senior leadership role managing multi‑department operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing large, diverse operational teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, asset management, and maintenance planning.
• Solid exposure to supply chain management and logistics.
• Experience in scaling operations or supporting rapid growth phases is a strong advantage.

Working Conditions

• Based full‑time at the farm site in Uganda.
• Requires flexibility to work extended hours during harvests, peak processing periods, and emergencies.
• Occasional travel within Uganda and the region for suppliers, audits, or training

Application

Please send your current CV to vkatungye@steadmanglobal.com before the end of day Friday, February 20th, 2024