Area Growing Manager (Leaf Operation)

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry 
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

FUNCTION: Operations

SUB FUNCTION: Leaf

LOCATION: Mardan, Pakistan

The role is responsible to own the Area team to deliver & implement Area Leaf Growing Plan aligned with regional plan that meets the extension, volume & quality objectives for fulfilling the domestic requirement of Leaf including Import Substitution at a planned grade mix, keeping the local market priorities in a socially responsible manner.

Reports To: Regional Growing Manager

Reporting Level: Individual Contributor

Geographic Scope: Pakistan

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Ensure Crop size as per the industry demand.
• Actively drive & deliver Leaf Strategy for the region in line with PTC business priorities and Global Leaf LoS
• Ensure effective supervision/extension services of the field team to produce the desired style of tobaccos through BAT registered farmers.
• Implement Regional Strategy aligned with overall Leaf Strategy to ensure business sustainability
• Ensure all required quality parameters in leaf production & supply to buying points for purchase as per plan as per the agreed standards with Leaf Supply Chain team
• Maintain the leaf production by organizing seedbed, plantation and production surveys effectively keeping supply & demand equilibrium & keeping track of the industry requirement and its effective communication to influence the optimum crop production while taking into consideration the external factors & inclement weather etc.
• Drive & complete agronomy technology interventions & best practices (Growing Perfection) at Area level to deliver vertical expansion & meeting internal customer’s demand.
• Leverage Agronomy technology package to increase farm yield and reduce Cost of Production to improve farmer returns/ margins
• Lead the field force for extension of an Integrated Crop Management (ICM) approach for sustainable agriculture.
• Organise training & education of field staffs as well as farmers on recommended Agronomic Practices, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the safe / judicious use of agricultural chemicals to reduce cost of production, improve quality and minimise the Agrochemicals residue level in leaf as per BAT guideline
• Drive motivation & development of field staff and the VBPs/Stakeholder (Particularly farmers) enabling them to deliver the stretching targets and meet future challenges faced by the leaf growing in volumes.
• Contribute to develop people for the leadership pipeline of Leaf function through Coaching, training, demonstration.
• Seek out and offer/avail continuous learning & development opportunities for self, team members & contractual workers for capacity building.
• Drive Integrated Farming System (IFS), Vital Few & Thrive approach for sustainable agriculture as per BAT guidelines.
• Lead implementation of best practices / transferring new technology to the farmers to bring changes in crop style and reduce farmers cost of production & there by sustain farmers’ margin.
• Lead the process for idea generation & implementation within own area and motivate people to generate & embrace new ideas.

Working Relationships

• Internal –Product Manager, Leaf Growing Manager, Head of Leaf, Leaf Sustainability & Engagement Manager Finance team etc.
• External – Farmer Associations, District administrations, PTB/Local Farm Manager, Forest & Agriculture Departments etc.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Agriculture/Soil Science/Forestry 
• 2-3 years of working experience in related field having
• in depth knowledge and experience of managing leaf growing and other Agricultural crops and forestry in general. 
• Should be able to understand different Agronomic practices & its impact on leaf quality.
• Good understanding on the quality & use of Agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, control of field and storage pest & diseases.
• Sound knowledge on leaf grading, pre-blending in GLT, impact of different grades on final product blend, ability to interpret laboratory results, tobacco qualities of different growing countries.
• Demonstrated track record of high interpersonal skill & strong ability to work closely with cross functional teams for effective coordination/collaboration
• Excellent analytical ability to understand trends.
• High self-motivation; good interpersonal and time leadership skills
• Positive attitude, detail and customer oriented with good multitasking and organizational ability

What we offer you?
•    We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
•    Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
•    Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
•    You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
•    We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.