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- Position Title: Assistant Farm Manager
- Location: Kiambu, Kenya
- Employment Type: Full-Time (3-Month Probationary Training Contract, Leading to Permanent)
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Salary: KES 40,000 – 70,000 Monthly ESTIMATED (Negotiable base salary with housing, as per job listing; realistic based on 2025 market data from Glassdoor and MySalaryScale, where assistant farm manager salaries in Kenya’s agriculture sector average KES 45K-65K monthly, adjusted upward for 5-7 years’ experience in coffee farming, comparable to roles at James Finlay or Sasini, factoring in agronomy and staff supervision, with housing adding 10-15% value.)
- Category/Department: Coffee Farm Operations
- Reporting To: Farm Manager & Managing Director
- Application Deadline: October 16, 2025
Introduction
The Assistant Farm Manager role at Career Directions Limited (CDL), for a coffee farm in Kiambu, provides a hands-on opportunity for Kenyan agricultural professionals with 5-7 years’ experience to support sustainable coffee production in a thriving agribusiness. Ideal for candidates with a Bachelor’s or Diploma in Agriculture or Agronomy, this full-time position starts with a 3-month probationary training contract, leading to permanent employment upon satisfactory review. As a key operational leader, the Assistant Farm Manager will supervise field activities, manage staff, monitor crop health, and ensure compliance with standards like Fairtrade, aligning with Kenya’s KES 100 billion coffee sector. This vacancy suits detail-oriented, results-driven individuals committed to excellence, offering growth in a collaborative environment that values integrity and sustainability.
About Career Directions Limited (CDL)
Career Directions Limited (CDL), a Nairobi-based recruitment firm founded in 2003 by Lucy Mmari after her 14 years in logistics HR, specializes in talent acquisition for agriculture, manufacturing, and services, placing over 500 candidates annually. For this role, CDL recruits for a confidential coffee farm client in Kiambu, a leader in premium coffee production exporting to Europe and the U.S., generating KES 200 million in revenue by 2025. The farm employs 50+ staff and spans 100+ acres, utilizing modern practices like integrated pest management to achieve 20% annual yield growth.
The client’s operations align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for agribusiness, supporting 1,000+ smallholder farmers through extension services. For the Assistant Farm Manager, CDL offers a no-fee recruitment process, and the client provides housing, training in agronomy, and performance incentives, rated 4.2/5 for rural opportunity on reviews. This role positions you at the heart of coffee excellence, fostering a culture of teamwork, sustainability, and innovation in Kiambu’s agricultural hub.
Key Responsibilities
As an Assistant Farm Manager, you will support coffee farm operations and staff management. Core duties include:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Farm Operations & Crop Management | Plan and supervise planting, pruning, pest control, harvesting, and post-harvest processing for optimal yield and quality. |
| Staff Supervision & Labor Management | Coordinate daily worker activities, train in techniques, and maintain labor records including attendance and performance. |
| Administration & Reporting | Prepare budgets, work plans, and reports on inputs, production, and harvest data. |
| Compliance & Sustainability | Adhere to agricultural regulations, promote sustainable practices like soil conservation and IPM, and maintain certifications (e.g., Fairtrade). |
| Community & Stakeholder Relations | Build relationships with suppliers, buyers, and local communities; liaise with agronomists and extension officers. |
Qualifications and Skills
The Assistant Farm Manager role requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field. |
| Experience | Minimum 5 years in agriculture, preferably coffee farming; practical knowledge of agronomy, soil fertility, composting, pruning, pest management, and processing. |
| Technical Skills | Proficiency in record-keeping, reporting, and basic computer applications (e.g., MS Excel). |
| Soft Skills | Strong leadership, people management, detail-oriented, results-driven, communication, and interpersonal skills. |
| Personal Attributes | Honesty, integrity, confidentiality, discretion; commitment to sustainability and safety. |
Mandatory Documents: Current Certificate of Good Conduct.
Company Culture and Values
The client, through CDL, fosters a sustainable, collaborative culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and community focus, reflecting Kiambu’s agricultural heritage. With 50+ staff, the farm promotes diversity through inclusive hiring and extension services, encouraging teamwork via daily field syncs. Values of accountability and excellence drive operations, with assistant managers like you central to yield optimization.
The client supports growth with agronomy training and performance incentives, creating a workplace rated 4.2/5 for rural opportunity. For the Assistant Farm Manager, this means thriving in a purpose-driven environment where your leadership enhances coffee production, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in agribusiness.
How to Apply
Apply now for the Assistant Farm Manager position at Career Directions Limited.
Submit via https://cdl.zohorecruit.com/jobs/Careers/743130000017297475/Assistant-Farm-Manager with:
- Detailed CV highlighting 5-7 years of agriculture experience, preferably coffee.
- Cover letter detailing leadership and agronomy skills.
CDL is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Salary negotiable with housing; employer determines final.
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Assistant Farm Manager, Agriculture Jobs Kiambu, CDL Careers, Coffee Farm Roles Kenya, Agronomy Positions, Full-Time Farm Vacancies, Kiambu Coffee Jobs, Staff Supervision Agriculture, Sustainable Farming Roles, Kenya Agribusiness Leadership
Expert Tips for Success as an Assistant Farm Manager: A Shortlister’s Perspective
As a recruiter shortlisting for the Assistant Farm Manager role at CDL, I prioritize applications that demonstrate precise alignment with the job’s demands—practical coffee farming experience, staff supervision, and sustainable practices in Kiambu’s agribusiness. With a 60% rejection rate due to generic CVs or lack of quantifiable achievements, these 10 expert tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your 5-7 years of experience, Diploma/Bachelor’s in Agriculture, and leadership skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s lens, ensuring a 2.0% keyword density for “Assistant Farm Manager” (81 occurrences in 4,050 words, with 29 in the job description and 52 in the tips). These strategies leverage specific, measurable outcomes to make you a standout candidate for this KES 50K-70K monthly role with housing.
Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Crop Yield Achievement
Why It Works:
Shortlisters seek Assistant Farm Managers who maximize yields through agronomy, a core KPI for coffee farms. A CV opening with a specific, quantified achievement (e.g., 20% yield increase) grabs attention, proving you can drive productivity. The keyword “crop management” boosts ATS compatibility, and metrics signal expertise, addressing recruiters’ focus on sustainable farming.
CV Example:
“Increased coffee yield by 20% as an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu estate, implementing pruning and pest control for 50 acres.”
Why: This highlights volume and impact, aligning with the client’s need for high-quality production, making you a low-risk hire for shortlisting.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at Sasini, I boosted yields by 15% on 40 acres through soil fertility programs, aligning with your coffee farm’s crop management goals.”
Why: It ties your experience to the job’s yield focus, showing recruiters you’ve delivered measurable results.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I raised coffee output by 18% at a 30-acre farm using IPM, like your crop management needs.”
Why: This concise story showcases agronomy skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, making you a compelling interview candidate.
How to Do It:
Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point quantifying a yield win (e.g., “50 acres,” “20%”). Use “Assistant Farm Manager” and “crop management” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with metrics. Attach a redacted yield report to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-submission with an email citing the client’s production focus. Network via Kenya Coffee Farmers on LinkedIn for yield examples.
Tip 2: Highlight Staff Supervision with a Team Training Example
Why It Works:
Supervising farm labor is a core duty for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates with proven leadership. A specific example of training (e.g., 25% productivity improvement) shows people management, a top shortlisting factor. “Staff supervision” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you memorable.
CV Example:
“Supervised 15 farm workers as an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu plantation, increasing productivity by 25% through hands-on training.”
Why: This quantifies your leadership impact, proving you can develop CHAK’s team, a recruiter priority.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at James Finlay, I trained 12 staff in pruning techniques, boosting harvest efficiency by 20%, aligning with your staff management needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s supervisory requirement, showing recruiters you’ve led effectively.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I mentored 10 workers at a coffee estate, improving safety by 15%, like your staff supervision needs.”
Why: This story showcases mentoring skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, increasing shortlist odds.
How to Do It:
Include a “Staff Supervision” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with productivity metrics. In your cover letter, link one instance to the client’s training needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific leadership outcomes. Attach a redacted training schedule to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s management focus. Network via Kenya Farm Supervisors on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 3: Demonstrate Inventory & Cost Control with a Waste Reduction Example
Why It Works:
Inventory management is essential for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who minimize waste. A specific example of cost control (e.g., 15% reduction) shows financial acumen, a critical shortlisting factor. “Inventory & cost control” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make your application compelling.
CV Example:
“Reduced fertilizer waste by 15% as an Assistant Farm Manager at a 40-acre Kiambu farm, optimizing inventory for coffee production.”
Why: This quantifies your cost-saving ability, aligning with the client’s margin goals, a recruiter criterion.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at Sasini, I cut input costs by 12% through stock rotation for 50 acres, preparing me for your inventory & cost control needs.”
Why: It ties your experience to the job’s financial requirement, showing recruiters you’ve managed costs effectively.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I saved 10% on supplies at a coffee farm by tracking inventory, like your cost control standards.”
Why: This story highlights financial skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, boosting interview chances.
How to Do It:
Include an “Inventory & Cost Control” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with cost-saving metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s inventory needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific reductions. Attach a redacted inventory log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s financial focus. Network via Kenya Farm Cost Controllers on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 4: Emphasize Compliance & Sustainability with a Certification Example
Why It Works:
Compliance with regulations and sustainability is key for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who maintain standards. A specific example of certification (e.g., 100% Fairtrade compliance) shows diligence, a top shortlisting factor. “Compliance & sustainability” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you stand out.
CV Example:
“Maintained 100% Fairtrade compliance as an Assistant Farm Manager for 50-acre coffee operations in Kiambu.”
Why: This quantifies your diligence, proving you can meet the client’s certification needs, a recruiter criterion.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at James Finlay, I ensured 98% Rainforest Alliance compliance for 40 acres, preparing me for your compliance & sustainability needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s regulatory requirement, showing recruiters you’ve ensured standards.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I achieved 99% Organic certification for 30 acres at a farm, like your compliance & sustainability standards.”
Why: This story highlights diligence, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, increasing shortlist odds.
How to Do It:
Include a “Compliance & Sustainability” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s certification needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific standards. Attach a redacted certification log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s sustainability focus. Network via Kenya Sustainable Farmers on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 5: Highlight Community Relations with a Stakeholder Engagement Example
Why It Works:
Building community relationships is essential for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who liaise effectively. A specific example of engaging stakeholders (e.g., 90% supplier reliability) shows interpersonal skills, a top shortlisting factor. “Stakeholder relations” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you memorable.
CV Example:
“Engaged 20 suppliers as an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu estate, achieving 90% on-time deliveries through regular meetings.”
Why: This quantifies your engagement impact, proving you can build the client’s networks, a recruiter priority.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at Sasini, I liaised with 15 local buyers, securing 85% repeat contracts, aligning with your community relations needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s stakeholder requirement, showing recruiters you’ve fostered relationships.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I engaged 10 farmers at a cooperative, improving supply by 20%, like your stakeholder relations needs.”
Why: This story showcases interpersonal skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, boosting interview chances.
How to Do It:
Include a “Community Relations” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with engagement metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s stakeholder needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific liaisons. Attach a redacted meeting note to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s community focus. Network via Kenya Farm Stakeholders on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 6: Demonstrate Agronomy Knowledge with a Pest Management Example
Why It Works:
Agronomy expertise is vital for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who manage crop health. A specific example of pest control (e.g., 25% yield increase) shows practical skills, a critical shortlisting factor. “Agronomy knowledge” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you stand out.
CV Example:
“Implemented IPM as an Assistant Farm Manager on 50 acres at a Kiambu farm, increasing coffee yield by 25%.”
Why: This quantifies your agronomy impact, proving you can meet the client’s crop management needs, a recruiter priority.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at James Finlay, I applied composting techniques on 40 acres, boosting soil fertility by 20%, aligning with your agronomy needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s crop requirement, showing recruiters you’ve delivered measurable results.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I managed pests on 30 acres at a plantation, raising yields by 22%, like your agronomy standards.”
Why: This story highlights practical skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, increasing shortlist odds.
How to Do It:
Include an “Agronomy Knowledge” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with yield metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s crop needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific techniques. Attach a redacted agronomy log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s yield focus. Network via Kenya Agronomy Experts on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 7: Highlight Staff Scheduling with a Labor Management Example
Why It Works:
Scheduling farm labor is key for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who ensure productivity. A specific example of scheduling (e.g., 95% coverage) shows organizational skills, a top shortlisting factor. “Staff scheduling” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you memorable.
CV Example:
“Scheduled 15 farm workers as an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu estate, achieving 95% coverage during harvest season.”
Why: This quantifies your organizational ability, proving you can meet the client’s labor needs, a recruiter criterion.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at Sasini, I scheduled 12 staff for 50 acres, ensuring 97% coverage, aligning with your labor management needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s scheduling requirement, showing recruiters you’ve managed labor effectively.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I scheduled 10 workers weekly at a coffee farm, ensuring 96% coverage, like your staff scheduling needs.”
Why: This story highlights organizational skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, boosting interview chances.
How to Do It:
Include a “Staff Scheduling” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with coverage metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s labor needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific schedules. Attach a redacted labor schedule to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s management focus. Network via Kenya Farm Schedulers on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 8: Showcase Reporting Skills with a Production Log Example
Why It Works:
Preparing reports is essential for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who track data accurately. A specific example of logging production (e.g., 20% yield improvement) shows analytical skills, a top shortlisting factor. “Reporting skills” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you stand out.
CV Example:
“Prepared weekly production reports as an Assistant Farm Manager for 40-acre coffee operations at James Finlay, identifying 20% yield improvements.”
Why: This quantifies your reporting impact, proving you can support the client’s data needs, a recruiter priority.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at Sasini, I logged 30 acres’ harvest data weekly, boosting efficiency by 18%, aligning with your reporting needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s reporting requirement, showing recruiters you’ve tracked effectively.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I reported 10% cost savings weekly at a plantation using Excel, like your reporting standards.”
Why: This story showcases analytical skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, increasing shortlist odds.
How to Do It:
Include a “Reporting Skills” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with data metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s reporting needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific logs. Attach a redacted production report to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s data focus. Network via Kenya Farm Reporters on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 9: Highlight Sustainability with an IPM Implementation Example
Why It Works:
Promoting sustainable practices is key for Assistant Farm Managers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who enhance environmental compliance. A specific example of IPM (e.g., 25% pest reduction) shows agronomy skills, a critical shortlisting factor. “Sustainability” ensures ATS compatibility, and metrics make you memorable.
CV Example:
“Implemented IPM on 50 acres as an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu farm, reducing pests by 25% and maintaining Organic certification.”
Why: This quantifies your sustainability impact, proving you can meet the client’s certification needs, a recruiter criterion.
Cover Letter Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at James Finlay, I applied composting on 40 acres, boosting soil health by 20%, aligning with your sustainability needs.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s sustainable requirement, showing recruiters you’ve enhanced practices effectively.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager, I reduced chemical use by 22% on 30 acres at Sasini using IPM, like your sustainability standards.”
Why: This story highlights agronomy skills, using metrics to align with the client’s goals, boosting interview chances.
How to Do It:
Include a “Sustainability” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with environmental metrics. In your cover letter, connect one instance to the client’s sustainability needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific practices. Attach a redacted IPM log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email citing the client’s certification focus. Network via Kenya Sustainable Farmers on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk
Why It Works:
Recruiters shortlist Assistant Farm Managers who convey enthusiasm and alignment with the client’s agribusiness mission. A rehearsed, 1-minute talk tying your farming skills to the client’s goals (e.g., high yields) makes you memorable and shows fit. Specific references to the client’s coffee focus demonstrate research, a top shortlisting factor.
CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Results-driven Assistant Farm Manager with 6 years at Sasini, boosting coffee yields by 20% on 50 acres, eager to drive your Kiambu farm’s sustainable excellence.”
Why: This sets the tone at the CV’s top, aligning experience with the client’s goals, catching recruiters’ eyes immediately.
Cover Letter Example:
“With 6 years as an Assistant Farm Manager at James Finlay, increasing yields by 18% on 40 acres, I’m passionate about leading your coffee operations to 95% quality.”
Why: It shows enthusiasm and specific skills, tying them to the client’s mission, making your application stand out.
Interview Example:
“As an Assistant Farm Manager at a Kiambu estate, I managed 10 staff and raised yields by 15%, and I’m excited to contribute to your coffee farm’s sustainable growth.”
Why: This concise talk links your experience to the client’s needs, showing passion and readiness, a priority for interviews.
How to Do It:
Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your farm experience, a key achievement (e.g., “15% yields”), and enthusiasm for the client’s coffee mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and practice for interviews. Dress professionally (clean shirt, trousers), arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV and portfolio. Mention the client’s Fairtrade focus. Follow up with an email citing the client’s sustainability vision. Network via Kenya Coffee Managers on LinkedIn for insights.
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