Grow Out Manager – Feed Monitoring, Coxswains and Harvesting

Recruitment Matters Africa Pvt Ltd

Job Location:

Siavonga - Zambia

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

Grow-Out Operations Oversight

Oversee grow-out operations across assigned feeding sites with full accountability for Feed Monitoring teams Coxswains and Harvesting activities
Manage operational expenditure budgets for grow-out operations including effective monitoring and control of boats fuel usage and related operational costs
Ensure a high standard of seamanship across all lake operations and continuously drive improvements in fleet efficiency utilisation and safety
Translate overall production plans into clear achievable operational targets and daily action plans for grow-out teams

Production Optimization and Performance Management

Monitor and analyse production performance data including Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR) Specific Growth Rates (SGR) and Survival Rates (SR) to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
Drive improved feeding practices and operational discipline to optimise FCR improve growth outcomes and ensure accurate and reliable reporting
Monitor performance of individual cages and grow-out units identify trends and variances and implement corrective action plans to improve productivity
Ensure harvest processes function smoothly and efficiently with minimal fish stress quality issues or mortalities
Plan and manage harvest units to deliver consistent average body weights in line with production and market requirements

Feeding and Nutrition Management

Ensure all feeders are adequately trained on approved feeding SOPs with documented sign-off and competency verification
Implement controls checks and monitoring systems to minimise feed loss and ensure feeding accuracy
Develop a clear understanding of operational feeding challenges and propose practical solutions to improve feed efficiency and achieve production targets
Work closely with senior operations leadership to continuously refine feeding strategies and practices

Systems Processes and Technology

Design maintain and continuously improve aquaculture systems including cages nursery-to-grow-out transfers and harvesting systems
Review update and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency compliance and operational discipline
Support the implementation of digital monitoring tools and technologies to improve data accuracy reporting and decision-making
Coordinate equipment maintenance and infrastructure requirements in collaboration with the Engineering function including planning and budgeting for capital expenditure

Harvesting Operations

Ensure harvest volumes are achieved in line with approved production plans
Oversee fish handling practices during harvesting to minimise stress quality defects and mortalities
Coordinate harvesting schedules logistics and resources to ensure efficiency and product quality consistency

Coxswains Boats and Logistics

Ensure boats and outboard motors are operated correctly to prevent damage and extend equipment life
Take responsibility for vessel and equipment maintenance planning both in-house and through external service providers
Track and control fuel usage and optimise vessel deployment to achieve cost savings and improved productivity
Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures for all lake-based activities

Product Quality Health and Biosecurity

Support implementation and maintenance of international certification and quality control systems including sustainability standards
Monitor water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen temperature and pH and implement corrective actions when thresholds are breached
Monitor fish health across all grow-out cages ensuring baseline sampling routine monitoring and diagnostic investigations are conducted when required
Implement disease prevention control and treatment strategies in collaboration with technical and veterinary support

Research Development and Continuous Improvement

Coordinate on-farm trials for new feeds equipment systems or technologies aimed at improving productivity sustainability and cost efficiency
Evaluate trial results and make data-driven recommendations for broader implementation

Training Leadership and Collaboration

Train farm staff on all applicable SOPs policies and best-practice procedures to ensure consistent implementation
Provide coaching mentoring and knowledge transfer to build internal capability succession planning and promotion pipelines
Foster a strong team culture focused on accountability pride in performance and continuous improvement
Encourage cross-departmental and cross-functional collaboration to improve overall operational effectiveness

Qualifications

Masters degree in Agriculture Aquaculture Fisheries Science Biology or a related field
Relevant professional certifications or specialised aquaculture training will be an advantage

Skills and Competencies

Strong technical knowledge of intensive tilapia grow-out operations fish nutrition water quality management and disease control
Proven ability to optimise production performance improve feed efficiency and manage large-scale aquaculture operations
Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting production data KPIs and performance reports
Solid financial literacy including budgeting cost control and understanding the financial impact of operational decisions
Effective leadership and people management skills with the ability to lead diverse operational teams
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across operational technical and senior management levels
Familiarity with international sustainability quality and certification standards applicable to aquaculture operations

Key Responsibilities Grow-Out Operations Oversight Oversee grow-out operations across assigned feeding sites with full accountability for Feed Monitoring teams Coxswains and Harvesting activities Manage operational expenditure budgets for grow-out operations including effective monitoring and co...