Operations Manager Floriculture

Job Title: Operations Manager Floriculture

Reporting To: Chief Operations Officer
Location: Nairobi Office
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Overview

Our client a growing floriculture business is seeking to recruit an experienced Operations & Export Logistics Manager to oversee the coordination of flower production planning export logistics airport cargo operations and day-to-day operational activities between the farm Nairobi office and international buyers.

The role will be responsible for translating buyer requirements into practical export forecasts coordinating with the Farm Manager on projected flower volumes managing export documentation and logistics and ensuring flowers move efficiently from the farm to international markets.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in floriculture operations flower exports cold-chain logistics airport cargo and export documentation with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and work in a time-sensitive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Export Planning & Forecasting

• Work closely with the Farm Manager to obtain projected flower production and export volumes.
• Develop export forecasts based on farm production buyer requirements orders and market demand.
• Understand buyer requirements and translate them into practical production and export plans.
• Monitor available flower volumes quality specifications and readiness for export.
• Maintain regular communication with international buyers following communication and direction from the COO.
• Coordinate closely with the farm to ensure production plans are aligned with confirmed and anticipated orders.

Logistics & Export Operations

• Manage end-to-end logistics of flowers from the farm to the airport and onward to international destinations.
• Coordinate clearing forwarding transportation cold-chain logistics and airport cargo handling.
• Work closely with airlines cargo handlers clearing agents transporters and other logistics partners to ensure timely dispatch.
• Monitor airline schedules cargo capacity flight changes and potential disruptions that may affect exports.
• Ensure flowers are handled and transported within the required timelines and conditions.
• Identify and resolve logistical challenges that may affect export schedules or product quality.

Airport Cargo & Export Documentation

• Coordinate flower deliveries and cargo operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
• Manage and verify export documentation including Airway Bills (AWBs) and related shipping documentation.
• Ensure export documentation is accurate complete and available within required timelines.
• Liaise with clearing and forwarding agents and relevant airport stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable export customs cargo handling and aviation requirements.
• Maintain proper records of shipments documentation and export transactions.

Farm & Operational Coordination

• Maintain close visibility of activities at the farm and ensure operational issues affecting exports are identified early.
• Coordinate with the Farm Manager on production harvesting packing dispatch readiness and projected export volumes.
• Monitor the availability of flowers against buyer orders and export forecasts.
• Coordinate operational purchases and requirements with the relevant teams.
• Ensure timely communication between the farm Nairobi office logistics partners and management.
• Conduct regular farm visits to monitor operations and resolve emerging issues.

Stakeholder & Buyer Coordination

• Maintain professional relationships with international buyers logistics partners clearing agents airlines and other operational stakeholders.
• Follow up on buyer requirements and ensure they are communicated accurately to the relevant teams.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounts on payments logistics costs purchases and other operational requirements.
• Work closely with the COO and Managing Director on operational priorities and export planning.
• Provide management with regular updates on production export volumes shipments logistics challenges and operational performance.

Office & Administrative Operations

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the Nairobi office from an operational perspective.
• Maintain accurate operational records shipment files buyer information forecasts and logistics documentation.
• Coordinate internal communication between the Nairobi office and farm.
• Support basic employee coordination and ensure operational teams have the resources required to perform effectively.
• Assist management with operational reporting and other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Logistics Supply Chain Management Business Administration Agribusiness or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in floriculture flower exports logistics supply chain or agricultural export operations.
• Proven experience coordinating flower exports and airport cargo operations.
• Good understanding of cold-chain logistics and perishable goods handling.
• Experience working with international buyers airlines clearing agents freight forwarders and logistics providers.
• Strong knowledge of export documentation including Airway Bills and customs/clearing documentation.
• Good understanding of the Kenyan flower export ecosystem and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Strong forecasting planning coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and manage time-sensitive export operations.
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Nairobi office farm airport and other operational locations.

Core Competencies

• Strong operations and logistics management
• Export planning and forecasting
• Floriculture and perishable goods knowledge
• Buyer and stakeholder relationship management
• Strong attention to detail and documentation
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Excellent communication and coordination
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Proactive and hands-on approach to operations
• High level of integrity accountability and professionalism

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV via our Career Page.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.