Lead Manager, Leaf

Role Overview

• Accountable for the end-to-end operations of assigned leaf receiving stations.
• Leads grower contracting and purchasing activities, manages green leaf operations, ensures regulatory and EHS compliance, and executes strategies that optimize leaf quality, cost, and supply continuity.
• Plays a critical role in strengthening grower relationships, driving operational excellence, and supporting enterprise leaf initiatives.
• Lead daily operations of assigned leaf receiving stations
• Schedule, monitor, and manage farmer leaf deliveries, including sampling, grading, and purchasing activities
• Ensure accurate and consistent grading and pricing of leaf tobacco across receiving stations
• Monitor crop trends and grade conditions to optimize buying strategies, utilization, and volume deployment
• Management station operations in compliance with applicable agricultural contracting laws and company standards
• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, serving as a trusted partner and primary point of contact
• Identify, evaluate, and contract growers to meet Company leaf supply requirements.
• Negotiate grower prices and resolve disputes within defined authority and governance frameworks
• Communicate grower feedback, contract performance, and market conditions to Leadership.
• Execute initiatives that embed and reinforce the Total Tobacco Concept across the grower base.
• Communicate daily updates on crop conditions, grade projections, and volume expectations
• Provide insight on market trends, competitive dynamics, and grower feedback to support strategic decisions
• Provide support with the deployment and execution of offshore buying programs
• Execute strategies that improve leaf quality, reduce variability, and minimize total delivered costs.
• Lead and manage receiving station personnel to deliver operational, quality, and safety excellence
• Communicate business priorities, operational plans, and performance expectations clearly and consistently
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct
• Promote consistent adherence to operating standards that support safety, quality, and compliance
• Participate in and contribute to special projects with cross functional teams
• Support development and execution of agronomy and leaf system initiatives that enhance long-term supply sustainability
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with Company EHS policies, safety rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and sustain programs that support company EHS and ESG objectives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 8+ years relevant progressive work experience or Associate degree in Agri-business with a minimum of 6+ years of relevant work experience is preferred or BS in Business or Agronomy and a minimum of 4+ years of relevant work experience is highly preferred or Post-graduate degree in Agronomy, Business or related field and 3+ years of relevant work experience
• Minimum 8 years relevant or combined experience in worldwide leaf tobacco.
• Possess extensive knowledge of the RJRT, ASC and Santa Fe Internal Grading System
• Preferred
• Possess knowledge of agronomic aspects of growing tobacco.
• Proficiency with computer programs used for leaf purchases (GLS, CGS, etc.)
• Knowledge of all tobacco types used by the Company op-cos and their market trends: Flue-cured, burley, oriental, sun, dark and dark-fired tobaccos, organic and PRC-grown leaf.
• A working knowledge of leaf stemming.
• Adaptability, a flexible nature and a willingness to work in new and constantly changing environments.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan that offers opportunity to save on pre
• and post-tax basis up to 50 percent of eligible compensation.
• Company matches 100 percent of employee pre-tax/Roth (401k) contributions up to six percent
• Company contributes an additional three percent to 401(k) whether employee participates or not
• Comprehensive health
• and welfare-benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs)
• Health Savings Account start-up contribution for employees who elect the high deductible health plan
• Flexible spending accounts for both Health Care and Dependent Care allowing employee to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified expenses during the calendar year
• Employee assistance program offering 8 free counselling sessions, per issue, each calendar year for employees and their dependents
• Company paid life insurance of 1x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
• Company paid accidental death or dismemberment insurance of 2x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
• Voluntary insurances offered at group rates: employee and dependent life insurance, AD&D insurance, critical illness, accident coverage, disability buy-up, and auto & home insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan support
• Dependent Scholarship Programs
• Free confidential personal financial counselling service
• On-site health centers and 24/7 fitness centers at certain company locations
• A charitable giving matching grants program that enables employees to direct and double their donations to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice
• Health-care concierge service
• Volunteer service opportunities
• Extensive training opportunities
• Company vehicle for eligible employees
• Mobile phone allowance for eligible employees
• Sick and Personal Time (exempt employees may be excused with pay for brief absences; non-exempt employees receive up to 6 days)
• Vacation (levels Below Senior Director receive 15 days (pro-rated during first year of service); Senior Director and Officers receive 25 days (pro-rated during first year of service)).
• Holidays (Nine company recognized and two annual personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion)
• Paid Parental Leave + temporary reduced work schedule opportunity
• Funeral Leave
• Short-Term Disability Leave
• Long-Term Disability Leave
• Jury Duty Leave
• Military Leave
• Released Time for Children’s Education
• Community Outreach Leave
• Other paid leave benefits, as required by state or local law