We are a leading, vertically integrated company specializing in broiler day old chicks and animal feed milling. We are looking for a visionary, results-driven, and highly experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead our operations, drive sustainable growth, and scale our market footprint. The ideal candidate will scale our commercial operations, maximize market share, and drive revenue growth.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Executive & Management
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the company’s long-term business strategies, ensuring alignment with overall board objectives and shareholder goals.
- Commercial Growth: Take full accountability for achieving targeted commercial success e.g. Market Share, Brand Reputation & Awareness, Sales & Revenue Growth
- Operational Excellence: Lead all facets of poultry farming (breeding and hatching) and feed milling operations
- Financial Stewardship: Manage multi-million Pula budgets, optimize supply chain costs, and drive overall profitability and revenue growth. Optimize margin performance and ensure stellar returns on capital investments.
- Global Commodity Strategy: Oversee high-stakes procurement of raw feed ingredients and navigate volatile international commodity trading markets.
- Quality & Compliance: Enforce strict biosecurity, animal welfare, and quality standards.
- Team Leadership: Mentor and lead a dynamic executive management team across multiple sites
- Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, distributors, government bodies, and the wider community.
Requirements
- Education: Degree in Agriculture, Commerce, or Engineering is highly advantageous.
- Experience: Minimum of 15+ years of leadership experience, with at least 5+ years serving as a CEO, Managing Director, or Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a large-scale commercial poultry business
- Industry Expertise: Direct, deep operational exposure to high-volume commercial poultry production chains and automated feed milling production and logistics is non-negotiable.
- Proven Commercial Scale: A documented, verifiable history of successfully managing a P&L exceeding P500 Million, with a proven track record of scaling corporate business units and delivering exceptional shareholder value.
- Skills: Exceptional commercial acumen, strong negotiation skills, deep understanding of supply chain logistics, and proven ability to scale operations.
Salary
A highly competitive executive remuneration package
How to Apply
Apply by email: hr@irvineschicken.co.bw
About the Company
Irvines Botswana (Pty) Ltd stands as a prominent entity within the nation's agricultural landscape, primarily focusing on poultry farming and the distribution of related products. This Botswana-based company plays a crucial role in supplying the local market with fresh and frozen chicken, as well as a variety of egg products. Leveraging expertise from the wider Irvines group, the company is deeply integrated into Botswana's food supply chain, contributing significantly to both food security and economic development. Its operations support local employment and aim to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein sources across the country, serving communities throughout Botswana.
Botswana's trusted provider of quality poultry and egg products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and experience required for a Country CEO role in the poultry and feed milling industry in Botswana?
Candidates typically need a relevant tertiary qualification in business administration, agriculture, veterinary science, or a related field. Extensive senior management experience, including profit and loss accountability within a large-scale agricultural or FMCG operation, is crucial. Demonstrated leadership in operational excellence and strategic growth in a competitive market is also highly valued.
What do the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Country CEO in this sector entail?
This role involves overall strategic leadership and operational oversight of the entire business unit, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. Key tasks include managing production, sales, finance, and human resources, alongside developing market strategies and fostering stakeholder relationships. You will be accountable for achieving ambitious business objectives and driving innovation within the Botswanan market.
What is the local work culture and expectation for executive management in Botswana, particularly in this industry?
Executive roles in Botswana emphasize strong interpersonal relationships, collaboration, and a commitment to local economic development. Expect a culture that values respect for hierarchy, professionalism, and effective communication across all levels. Punctuality, a strong work ethic, and adaptability to local market dynamics are highly regarded attributes.
What are the realistic career progression or growth paths for a Country CEO in the poultry and feed milling sector in Botswana?
This role is often a significant pinnacle for country-level leadership, offering deep exposure to all facets of a national business. Future opportunities might include regional executive roles within a larger corporate group or board-level positions. Senior leadership experience gained here is highly transferable to other large-scale agro-processing or manufacturing industries.
What typical benefits package can an Executive Management candidate expect for a CEO position in Botswana?
Executive compensation packages in Botswana are comprehensive, typically including a competitive salary structure, robust medical aid coverage for the executive and their dependents, and a strong pension fund contribution. Other common benefits often include generous annual leave, a company vehicle, housing allowance, and performance-based bonuses tied to business achievements. These packages are designed to attract and retain top-tier talent.
How should one apply for such a high-level executive position in Botswana, and what do employers typically look for?
Employers seek candidates with a proven track record of strategic leadership, strong financial acumen, and deep industry-specific expertise. A well-crafted executive CV and a compelling cover letter, highlighting achievements and strategic impact rather than just duties, are essential. Often, professional references and a portfolio of past successes are also crucial components of the application process.