Strategic Project Manager (RDO Irrigation Projects) at Kilombero Sugar November 2025
Company: Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL) Parent Company: Illovo Sugar Africa Group Position: Strategic Project Manager – RDO Irrigation Projects Location: Kilombero, Tanzania Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Application Deadline: 2nd December 2025
Company Overview
Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL) is the largest sugar producer in Tanzania and a proud member of the Illovo Sugar Africa Group. Situated in the fertile Kilombero Valley, we are a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural sector. Our operations are driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
As we continue to expand our production capacity and modernize our agricultural practices, efficient water management becomes critical. We are currently seeking a highly experienced and delivery-focused Strategic Project Manager to join our team. This is a senior role designed for an engineering leader capable of transforming our irrigation infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of large-scale sugarcane cultivation.
Role Purpose
The Strategic Project Manager (RDO Irrigation Projects) will lead the end-to-end execution of complex irrigation infrastructure projects. This role is not just about construction; it is about ensuring the successful planning, design, implementation, and operational integration of systems that drive agricultural productivity and sustainability.
You will serve as the bridge between technical engineering and agricultural operations. With a strong emphasis on project management excellence, you will oversee capital project delivery, manage cross-functional teams and contractors, and ensure alignment with strategic agricultural goals. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep technical knowledge, field-based execution, and a relentless focus on delivering value through infrastructure performance.
Key Responsibilities and Strategic Deliverables
Your duties will span across the full project lifecycle, from concept to commissioning and handover.
1. Project Management & Delivery Excellence
-
Lifecycle Leadership: Lead the full lifecycle of irrigation and drainage infrastructure projects. You will ensure a strong interface between the RDO team, agricultural operational teams, and engineering teams.
-
Business Case Ownership: Own and manage project business cases, ensuring financial integrity. You will be responsible for ensuring that every project aligns with the company’s strategic plans and delivers a tangible Return on Investment (ROI).
-
Scheduling & Control: Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using RDO methodologies. You must ensure adherence to project governance, implementing strict controls, risk mitigation strategies, and milestone tracking to guarantee timely delivery.
2. Health, Safety & Compliance
-
Safety Culture: Champion a “Zero Harm” culture across all project phases. You are the custodian of safety for all project teams and contractors.
-
Regulatory Adherence: Ensure full compliance with internal governance frameworks, national health and safety regulations, and environmental standards.
-
Risk Management: Apply structured risk management and quality assurance practices throughout the project lifecycle to identify and mitigate potential threats to project success.
3. Engineering & Technical Design
-
Principal Advisor: Serve as the principal engineering advisor to the Agriculture Department. You must ensure that infrastructure meets evolving agronomic needs and translate production goals into technical project requirements.
-
Design Selection: Lead the evaluation and selection of irrigation system designs tailored to site-specific conditions.
-
Sustainability Assessment: Ensure all design alternatives are rigorously assessed for cost-effectiveness, long-term sustainability, and hydraulic performance.
4. Operational Integration & Maintenance
-
Handover: Ensure the comprehensive handover of completed projects to operations. This includes providing full documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training manuals.
-
Reliability: Develop proactive maintenance strategies, including critical spares planning and inventory optimization. You will support operational teams in minimizing downtime and maximizing system reliability.
-
Change Management: Drive infrastructure upgrades through structured change management processes, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal disruption to ongoing farming operations.
5. Contract & Stakeholder Management
-
Vendor Management: Procure, negotiate, and manage contracts with 1C teams, external vendors, and specialized contractors.
-
Performance Monitoring: Monitor performance, quality, and delivery timelines to ensure contractors align with project objectives.
-
Training: Deliver technical training and support to field teams and operators to build operational confidence and competence in system use.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this high-impact role, candidates must meet the following strict criteria:
Academic Background:
-
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (Civil, Agricultural, or Mechanical Engineering preferred).
-
A recognized Project Management qualification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
Professional Experience:
-
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in irrigation project delivery.
-
Sugarcane Experience: Experience specifically with sugarcane irrigation systems (Center Pivot, Drip, or Surface irrigation) is a strong advantage.
-
Capital Projects: In-depth knowledge of capital project processes, procurement systems, and financial tracking.
-
Contract Management: Familiarity with industry-standard contract forms and procurement processes.
Technical & Behavioral Competencies:
-
Expertise: Deep technical expertise in irrigation system design, installation, and lifecycle management.
-
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead field-based teams and drive operational excellence in challenging environments.
-
Communication: Excellent planning, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage diverse stakeholders.
Why Join Kilombero Sugar?
This role is ideal for a results-driven engineering leader who thrives on delivering infrastructure that transforms agricultural performance. If you are passionate about project execution, operational impact, and sustainable irrigation solutions, this is your opportunity to lead from the front in one of Tanzania’s most important industries.
Inclusivity Statement: Kilombero Sugar Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 2nd December 2025
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply immediately.
To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
