Product Information
Cotton
Our extensive global sourcing network of growers, ginners and suppliers is supported by our own offices, warehouses, and gins in all major producing countries. Our customers benefit from our broad operations, with a traceable, sustainable source of quality cotton and as a result, we’re the chosen supplier by textile mills in all major markets.
We have integrated ginning in Africa meaning we are on the ground to help farmers improve their practices, farmer incomes, a get a fair price for their cotton.We have extensive ginning operations in Australia and USA and use modern ginning systems to consistently produce quality cotton.
Globally Sourced Cotton
- America: In the USA, we’re one of the leading suppliers of all cotton varieties. Our business is diversified across the major growing regions of Southeast, Mid-South, Southwest, and Far West, with ginning and warehousing infrastructure in several locations. We’ve nearly 20 years’ experience operating in the major cotton producing regions in Brazil and we are one of the leading exporters of Brazilian raw cotton to all main export destinations while also supplying many local spinning mills with their cotton requirements. We have developed long-standing relationships with growers, providing them with innovative financial and risk management solutions and we also produce our own sustainable cotton in the state of Mato Grosso.
- Asia: In India, we’ve used our long-term presence in other agricultural products to set up infrastructure across the country’s major growing regions. This has enabled us to become a major participant in the regional trade flow and have a strong franchise with domestic spinning mills.
- Australia: Through our subsidiary Queensland Cotton, we’ve built strong relationships with growers in Australia for whom we provide marketing, ginning, classing, warehousing, logistics and seed marketing. We’re recognised as an industry leader, a trusted supplier of premium quality cotton and a preferred partner for many of the major textile mills worldwide.
- Africa: We have nurtured long-standing relationships as the preferred partner to various cotton marketing boards and ginners in Africa. Through our integrated ginning model in Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Chad, we work with small farmers for improving crop yields and quality by providing seeds, agri-inputs, training in good agricultural practices and agronomy services. This helps us secure progressively larger quantity of cotton which in turn improves farmer income and livelihoods. We invest in community development and help build social infrastructure in close partnership with development agencies including IDH, USAID and BMF.
We’ve launched the largest certified global regenerative agriculture programme in the cotton supply chain in the U.S. and Côte d’Ivoire, with Australia and Brazil to follow. The programme meets the growing demand for traceable and sustainably grown cotton.
For more information please visit: Cotton Supplier & Ginner | Sustainable Cotton | Olam Agri
Job Description
The Head of Agronomy is responsible for driving agronomic excellence and enhancing crop productivity, quality, and sustainability across operations.
The role focuses on designing and implementing best-in-class agronomic practices, supporting field teams, and enabling farmers to achieve improved yields and compliance with company standards.
Key Deliverables
Yield Improvement
- Achieve targeted increase in crop yields across all operational zones
- Deliver measurable improvements in productivity versus baseline
Crop Quality Enhancement
- Ensure consistent improvement in crop quality standards
- Maintain compliance with internal quality benchmarks and market requirements
Adoption of Best Agronomic Practices
- Drive large-scale adoption of improved farming techniques among field teams and farmers
- Ensure effective implementation of agronomic recommendations across regions
Input Optimization
- Deliver optimized usage of seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection inputs
- Ensure availability, quality, and cost-efficiency of agricultural inputs
Farmer & Field Performance
- Strengthen farmer engagement and technical capability
- Improve performance of outgrower networks and field operations
Team Effectiveness
- Build a high-performing agronomy team with clear objectives and accountability
- Ensure capability development and succession readiness within the team
Operational Execution
- Deliver timely and accurate agronomic plans, reports, and field execution
- Ensure alignment between agronomy, operations, and supply chain
Sustainability & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with sustainability standards and traceability systems
- Drive implementation of responsible farming practices
Data & Insights
- Deliver reliable agronomic data and actionable insights to support decision-making
- Strengthen monitoring and reporting systems across regions
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture or Plant Science or related field
Experience
- Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in agronomy or agricultural operations
- Proven experience in managing agronomy teams and field operations
- Strong exposure to farmer engagement / outgrower models
- Experience in large-scale agriculture or commodity crops
- Demonstrated track record in improving yield and crop quality
- Experience in cotton is not mandatory, priority is given to strong agronomic expertise and adaptability
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of:
- Crop management and soil health
- Fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection practices
- Experience in:
- Yield improvement techniques
- Agronomic data analysis and reporting
- Understanding of:
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Traceability and compliance standards
Leadership & Behavioral Competencies
- Strong team leadership and people management skills
- Ability to drive change and influence field adoption
- Strong stakeholder management (internal teams, farmers, partners)
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Ability to operate in dynamic and less structured environments
Language & Mobility
- Fluent in French (mandatory)
- Working proficiency in English is a strong advantage
- Willingness to travel frequently to field locations
Olam Agri is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.
