Cluster Head -Network Farming Ops

Job Description Cluster Head

Department: Network Farming Operations
Locations: Anupshahr (Uttar Pradesh) | Nawalgarh (Rajasthan) | Palkhed (Maharashtra)

Role Overview

The Cluster Head will lead production, backend operations, and network farmer operations across the assigned cluster. The role is responsible for production planning, farmer engagement, operational efficiency, produce quality, and timely customer deliveries while ensuring compliance with UFCo’s regenerative organic farming protocols.

The incumbent will lead a team of approximately 10–15 Field Executives, with 2–3 Assistant Managers reporting directly to the position.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Cluster Production and Operations

• Lead production and operational activities across the assigned cluster.
• Manage production planning, logistics, and customer delivery performance.
• Coordinate with the Sales team to understand market forecasts and align production plans to ensure the continuous availability of required SKUs.
• Ensure timely movement of produce to collection centres and distribution centres.

2. Contract Farming and Farmer Management

• Drive contract farming operations with network farmers in accordance with UFCo’s established practices.
• Identify, mobilise, and finalise suitable farmers in coordination with the contract farming team.
• Motivate, train, and guide farmers in adopting regenerative and organic farming practices as per UFCo protocols.
• Monitor farm-level activities to ensure compliance with prescribed practices and prevent the use of chemical inputs.

3. Collection Centre and Produce Quality Management

• Oversee collection centre operations at each RAC, including produce receipt, sorting, grading, and storage.
• Ensure produce quality standards are maintained throughout collection and handling.
• Coordinate with operations teams to ensure efficient supply of produce to collection centres and distribution centres.

4. Production Planning and Technical Coordination

• Plan RAC-level input production in alignment with vegetable production requirements.
• Work closely with technical teams to implement the latest scientific practices in regenerative agriculture.
• Share field-level observations, challenges, and farmer feedback with the Technical Centre of Excellence to support continuous improvement.

5. Financial Planning and Business Expansion

• Prepare operational budgets and monitor expenditure to optimise cluster costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and resource utilisation.
• Explore opportunities to expand network farming operations across multiple locations within the assigned region.

6. Team Leadership and Performance Management

• Lead, guide, and develop Assistant Managers and Field Executives across the cluster.
• Set clear operational priorities and monitor team performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure effective coordination among farming, technical, sales, and supply chain teams.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Agriculture background: Graduate or postgraduate in Agriculture with 8–10 years of relevant experience in ground-level farmer engagement and agricultural operations.
• Alternative qualification: Graduate or postgraduate in any other discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience managing regional-level agricultural, fruits and vegetables, or contract farming operations in established organisations.
• Prior experience in organic farming, natural farming, or regenerative agriculture will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in team management, preferably leading field teams through Assistant Managers and Field Executives.
• Strong communication skills in English, Hindi, and the relevant local language.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and operational reporting.
• Strong skills in production planning, farmer relationship management, problem-solving, and cost optimisation.

Key Success Expectations

• Achievement of cluster production and supply targets.
• Consistent produce quality and timely customer deliveries.
• Expansion and effective management of the network farmer base.
• Compliance with UFCo’s regenerative organic farming protocols.
• Effective team performance, operational cost control, and sustainable regional growth.