Job Description
Una Gama, a collaboration between local and international bamboo stakeholders and supported by The Hilti Foundation and Base Bahay Foundation, was set up in 2023 to address the changing construction market needs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on promoting the use of bamboo, bringing new and innovative bamboo building technology, developing bamboo research opportunities, and developing affordable bamboo housing schemes.
- By launching a pilot bamboo factory in 2024, Una Gama aims to kickstart an added value chain, so that quality-graded and treated bamboo can enter the construction market at a fair price.
Bamboo Harvesting Field Supervisor
The Bamboo Harvesting Field Supervisor is responsible for managing the incoming flow of bamboo through Una Gama's supply chain. They will oversee all aspects of this process, from sourcing raw materials to lead generation and managing harvesting teams to ensuring quality control and efficient delivery of the raw material to the factory location. They will analyze operational performance and resolve issues, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure all operations meet safety standards.
The Bamboo Harvesting Field Supervisor will also be responsible for ensuring that Una Gama is operating as efficiently as possible. This might include initiatives like reducing waste or increasing productivity to save money on costs, and knowledge sharing with communities.
IMPORTANT: Please be aware that this position entails fieldwork rather than office-based tasks, with the bulk of responsibilities conducted in the field.
Bamboo Harvesting Field Supervisor Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinating with all departments such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources to ensure that all aspects of the raw supply chain are addressed.
- Conducting research and community outreach to identify potential suppliers for new sources of raw material that can help improve Una Gama's offerings and operations.
- Scheduling deliveries to ensure that all shipments are received at the factory on time.
- Coordinating and managing harvesting teams in the field.
- Coordinating and scheduling deliveries and drivers, and planning for efficiently transporting raw materials from suppliers to the factory.
- Liaising with the relevant local authorities, like the Grama Nilhadari, Grama Seveka, Divisional Secretary, or the Central Environmental Authority to ensure smooth and on-schedule harvesting and delivery of all required bamboo harvesting and transportation permits.
- Managing raw material supply by negotiating with suppliers, developing plans for purchasing raw materials from new sources, monitoring raw material levels, and generating new supply when needed.
- Record keeping and forecasting.
- Communicating with suppliers to coordinate the harvesting of bamboo according to Una Gama's specifications and technical and environmental requirements.
- Developing policies for handling damaged, rejected, or unsuitable raw materials.
Qualifications
- Tri-lingual; English, Sinhala, Tamil (desirable).
- Own vehicle and a valid and up-to-date driver's license.
- Desire to work outdoors in nature.
- A willingness to take a manual, hands-on approach to tasks in the field when required.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- The ability to effectively coordinate and motivate teams.
- Strong data collection and record-keeping skills.
- The ability to study and implement standard company procedures and processes; technical and administrative.
- A strong willingness to learn new skills.
- The ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders and communicate and negotiate effectively and efficiently.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work autonomously to carry out all work to a high standard.
- An ability to think outside the box and develop and deliver policies and procedures for improving operations.
- A willingness to be out on the road and travel day-to-day, including to remote areas. Experience in fieldwork is highly desirable.
- Computer literacy is highly desirable.
- Third-level education or experience in forestry, construction, conservation, sustainability, or ecology is highly desirable.
What will the successful candidate get in return?
- Full-time employment.
- An attractive salary package, including EPF/ETF.
- All travel expenses paid (petrol, meals, hotel, vehicle maintenance).
- Working with an international team and network dedicated to developing the bamboo industry.
- The chance to be part of a team pioneering building with bamboo in Sri Lanka.
- The chance to work in a supportive and inclusive company culture.
- Extensive on-the-job training.
- The chance to make a positive change and develop revenue opportunities in rural communities.
If you meet the above requirements we want to hear from you! Please apply by sending your CV along with a cover letter telling us why you're the right fit for the job to [email protected] before the 30th of April 2024. Please note that we will endeavor to contact all applicants, however, depending on the volume of applications, we may only reply to shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview within 2 weeks of the application closing date.
