Agriculture Optimisation Specialist (Production)

• Org Unit: Estate Agriculture
• Reports to: Agriculture Optimisation Manager
• Job Category: Permanent
• Closing date: 13th November 2026

About Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country's leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars, employing more than 9000 employees. Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).

Key responsibilities

• Analyse crop production performance, identify yield gaps, operational constraints, and input inefficiencies, and conduct field assessments to determine root causes of performance issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of fertilisers, chemicals, irrigation, and crop husbandry practices, and recommend improvements to enhance yield, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Design, coordinate, and evaluate production trials and demonstrations to test new inputs, application methods, and farming practices, providing recommendations for adoption or refinement.
• Work with production teams to translate recommendations into practical action plans, monitor execution, address barriers, and embed successful practices into routine operations.
• Establish performance measures, track the impact of optimisation initiatives on yield, quality, productivity, and costs, and prepare reports to support benefit realisation and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records, ensure optimisation activities comply with agronomic, environmental, financial, and SHERQ requirements.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo's procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competitive Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Plant Production, Soil Science or a related discipline.
• Professional training in experimental design, agricultural statistics, crop nutrition, crop protection, irrigation or continuous improvement is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in commercial agriculture, agronomy, crop production, agricultural research or production optimisation.

How to apply

Please send your application letters together with detailed CV with copies of relevant certificates, traceable referees and National ID to:

The HR Mill head, Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, P.O. Box 46, Dwangwa. E-mail: [email protected]

Closing date for receiving application letters is 13th November 2026 and only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Illovo is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.