Cluster Manager - Closed

Position Title: Cluster Manager – Pudukkottai

Location: Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu

Reports to: Operations Head – Catalyst Livelihood Venture

Background:

Catalyst Livelihoods Venture (CLV) is an agri-marketing initiative under Catalyst Group, enabling market-led value chain solutions for smallholder farmers. In Pudukkottai, CLV is working with 3 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) on integrated input-output operations, including a groundnut processing unit.

Key Responsibilities:

A. Business Operations – CLV and FPOs

1. Lead day-to-day operations of CLV and the three FPCs in Pudukkottai district, ensuring smooth execution of activities as per the integrated business plan.
2. Provide strategic and operational oversight for:
3. Input procurement and distribution
4. Output aggregation and marketing
5. Management of the groundnut processing unit
6. Ensure alignment of each FPC's business plan with the broader CLV goals.
7. Supervise the Procurement, Plant, and Quality teams to meet volume, quality, and cost benchmarks.

B. Financial and Commercial Oversight

1. Monitor financial health of the FPCs and local CLV operations, in close coordination with Accountants and Commercial Manager.
2. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of costs, revenues, and profitability across units.
3. Enable commercial viability of operations and suggest course corrections when necessary.

C. People and Process Management

1. Guide and supervise FPO CEOs and Accountants to strengthen governance, compliance, and business decision-making.
2. Mentor and monitor the project and delivery teams.
3. Build strong relationships with the FPO Boards and communities to ensure buy-in and participation.

D. Grant Projects Oversight

1. Oversee implementation of all FPO-based and grant activities in the region.
2. Coordinate with Project Lead (Grant) for programmatic deliverables, especially where there is commercial or FPO relevance.
3. Ensure data capture, learning, and reporting mechanisms are in place and functional.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Minimum 15 years of experience in agri-business, rural enterprise promotion, or FPO strengthening.
2. Demonstrated experience in working with FPOs and managing integrated input-output operations.
3. Proven track record in managing agri-processing units or agri-supply chains preferred.
4. Strong commercial acumen, ability to drive profitability while balancing development objectives.
5. Prior experience in supervising multi-functional teams.
6. Familiarity with the development sector and donor-funded projects is a plus.

Language Requirements:

1. Proficiency in Tamil (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory.
2. Working knowledge of English and ability to handle reporting/documentation.

Application

1. Interested candidates need to include the following in their application: 
2. CV
3. Current CTC, Expected CTC, Notice Period
4. Two references