Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Farm Manager for Animal Production will be focusing on achieving increased institutional sustainability and efficiency, top educational and research accomplishments and excellent products and customer service, specifically in Animal Production and animal-based food production.

Job description

• Establish the new Goat Breeding Center and provide leadership and direction to the existing Animal production/Animal-based food processing Departments, so that they can function to capacity.
• Work closely with Department Heads to plan production and ensure smooth operation, increased sustainability and efficiency and the optimum utilization of resources using new technologies. Be an effective manager of people, with the ability to engage, empower, and inspire colleagues, share a common vision and strong work ethic, and build teamwork;
• With the support of the Quality Assurance Office, maintain high control over product quality and contribute to its constant improvement in order for AFS products to retain customer trust and engagement.
• Work closely with the President’s, the COO’s Office and all AFS/Perrotis Departments to maximize communication, information flow, collaboration and contribution to the accomplishment of the Farm’s strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Finance Department and the Department Heads to determine accurate product costs, develop budgets and carry out their implementation. Participate in Purchasing Committees according to the relevant policies. Approve the budget of the Animal Production Departments towards the achievement of financial sustainability. Contribute to the creation of a constant line of communication between the Animal Production Departments and Administration and Finance using the latest software.
• Work closely with the Commercial Manager and the COO on the evaluation of current distribution/sales channels, plan for new collaborations, and support plans to optimize product sales.
• Actively engage in new product development, as well as the evaluation and improvement of current products, and work with the Communications Office and the Commercial Manager on branding and marketing of new and existing products. In the case of the dairy, evaluate current trends and contribute to a strategic decision on the future of the AFS dairy products. Lead the creation and exploitation of new sources of revenue from industry, financial institutions and creation of consortia in Greece and abroad so that AFS can improve the production of existing and launch new products and projects.
• Lead the implementation of “green” technologies and the production of “green” products. Introduce eco-friendly processes and packaging.
• Promote the educational role of the Farm. Support efforts that relate to the creation and implementation of innovative curricula for all age groups that utilize the Farm to the maximum extent. Promote the provision of internships and practical education for EPAL, ISAEK and Perrotis College students and work with all Schools as part of the “Soil and Soul” initiative.
• Provide guidance to the Animal Production Departments staff in their professional development efforts to enhance their skills and encourage teamwork, continuous improvement, innovation and excellence.

Qualifications and characteristics

• Bachelor degree in Agriculture or Life Sciences;
• Master’s or/and PhD in Business Administration or the Life Sciences;
• Excellent English and Greek writing and speaking skills;
• Excellent digital skills;
• Demonstrable competencies in strategic thinking, planning and business development;
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics;
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities;
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills;
• Strong work ethic, professional integrity and a collaborative work style;
• Aptitude in decision-making, and a practical orientation to problem-solving; and
• Experience in developing partnerships