Director of Arable Operations – Large‑Scale Desert Farming

About the role

We are seeking a senior leader to head the development and operation of a large‑scale arable estate that will supply forage to a major dairy complex in Algeria. The role combines greenfield project delivery, agronomic strategy, and cross‑functional leadership to build a world‑class, climate‑resilient farming operation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the greenfield development of a multi‑thousand‑hectare arable estate, including land reclamation, soil establishment, irrigation infrastructure, and well‑field construction.
• Design and implement crop and forage production plans for alfalfa, silage corn, cereals and complementary crops to meet dairy nutrition specifications year‑round.
• Manage water resources through aquifer monitoring, center‑pivot and linear irrigation systems, and strategies to control salinity, evaporation and extreme heat.
• Establish agronomy standards, mechanisation protocols and climate‑adapted operating procedures.
• Build, mentor and lead a high‑performing, multicultural farming team while driving localisation and talent development.
• Collaborate with dairy, supply‑chain, engineering and finance functions to achieve production, quality and cost targets.
• Serve as senior agronomic advisor to executive leadership, providing guidance on project milestones, operational risks and capital investments.

Required profile

• Executive experience (Director, VP, COO‑Farming or equivalent) overseeing 10,000+ ha under a single mandate.
• Proven track record in greenfield agricultural development and large‑scale forage production.
• Deep expertise in hyper‑arid or desert agriculture, including groundwater irrigation and salinity management.
• Experience leading multicultural teams in remote or developing‑market environments.
• Preferably exposure to the Middle East/North Africa region and knowledge of Arabic or French.

Required skills

• Greenfield agricultural development
• Large‑scale forage production
• Groundwater irrigation design
• Center‑pivot and linear irrigation systems
• Salinity management
• Heat‑stress mitigation
• Soil establishment and reclamation
• Aquifer management
• Crop and forage production planning