Background

Pyxus Agriculture Malawi Limited, a subsidiary of Pyxus International, is a leading provider of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable agricultural products and ingredients. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and results-oriented Forestry Manager (Silviculture) based in Mzuzu, reporting directly to the Managing Director.

This is a field-based leadership role responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of Pyxus’ forestry and silviculture operations. The successful candidate will ensure forestry programmes are delivered in line with company strategy, sustainability commitments, regulatory requirements, customer standards, and audit expectations, while maximizing the long-term value and productivity of forestry assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical direction for all forestry and silviculture operations across Pyxus forestry sites
• Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term forestry management plans
• Oversee nursery operations, seedling production, planting programmes, survival assessments, and harvesting activities
• Monitor forest health through effective management of pests, diseases, fire risks, theft prevention, and environmental threats
• Manage Pyxus-owned forests and government concession areas, including site identification, planning, establishment, maintenance, and harvesting
• Ensure compliance with sustainability standards, forestry policies, customer programme requirements, and audit protocols
• Maintain accurate forestry databases and reporting systems, including forestry inventory, nursery stock, and operational performance data
• Prepare and submit periodic management and customer reports
• Lead forestry site visits and engagements with customers, government authorities, and other stakeholders
• Manage forestry budgets, resource planning, and the timely procurement of operational inputs
• Drive innovation, research, and commercial opportunities related to forestry products and services
• Coordinate forestry research initiatives and external collaborations, including partnerships with relevant research and academic institutions
• Promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of indigenous forest resources
• Lead, coach, and develop forestry teams across the Central and Northern regions while fostering positive community and stakeholder relations
• Proactively identify and manage operational risks, including climate-related impacts, land encroachment, labour challenges, social unrest, floods, and fires.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related discipline.
• 7-10 years’ experience in forestry and plantation management, including at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong technical expertise in silviculture, plantation establishment, forest maintenance, and harvesting operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale forestry projects and forestry assets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and forestry data management systems.
• Experience with GIS and forestry database applications is an added advantage.
• Valid motor vehicle driving licence.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational, analytical, and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a demanding field environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

Remuneration

The position offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Lead and provide technical direction for all forestry and silviculture operations across Pyxus forestry sites
• Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term forestry management plans
• Oversee nursery operations, seedling production, planting programmes, survival assessments, and harvesting activities
• Monitor forest health through effective management of pests, diseases, fire risks, theft prevention, and environmental threats
• Manage Pyxus-owned forests and government concession areas, including site identification, planning, establishment, maintenance, and harvesting
• Ensure compliance with sustainability standards, forestry policies, customer programme requirements, and audit protocols
• Maintain accurate forestry databases and reporting systems, including forestry inventory, nursery stock, and operational performance data
• Prepare and submit periodic management and customer reports
• Lead forestry site visits and engagements with customers, government authorities, and other stakeholders
• Manage forestry budgets, resource planning, and the timely procurement of operational inputs
• Drive innovation, research, and commercial opportunities related to forestry products and services
• Coordinate forestry research initiatives and external collaborations, including partnerships with relevant research and academic institutions
• Promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of indigenous forest resources
• Lead, coach, and develop forestry teams across the Central and Northern regions while fostering positive community and stakeholder relations
• Proactively identify and manage operational risks, including climate-related impacts, land encroachment, labour challenges, social unrest, floods, and fires.

• Strong technical expertise in silviculture, plantation establishment, forest maintenance, and harvesting operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and forestry data management systems.
• Experience with GIS and forestry database applications is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational, analytical, and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a demanding field environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related discipline.
• 7-10 years’ experience in forestry and plantation management, including at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale forestry projects and forestry assets.
• Valid motor vehicle driving licence.