Thinking of making a move into – or within – the sugar industry? We take a look at the different careers available in the sugar industry and what skills are needed to succeed. Meet the women powering Transmara Sugar Company.
Marketing and Administration Officer & Secretary General/CEO of Mara Sugar Football Club.
Tell us about your job…
I currently hold two distinct but complementary roles. As the Marketing and Administration Officer, I coordinate communication, marketing events, stakeholder engagements, and administrative duties that support day-to-day business operations.
As the Secretary General/CEO of Mara Sugar Football Club, I lead the overall strategic direction of our club, oversee operations, coordinate committees, and work closely with the club’s leadership team and technical bench to ensure performance excellence on and off the field. This role involves planning, governance, and effective internal and external communication.
The most interesting thing about both roles is the opportunity to connect people and purpose, whether it’s advocating for the company’s brand and initiatives in the sugar industry, or empowering our players and staff to excel through structured leadership and teamwork.
How did you get into the role?
My journey has been shaped by a combination of formal education, diverse work experience, and leadership involvement. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Finance) and an MBA Major in Marketing & Strategic Management, which laid a strong foundation in business operations, marketing strategy, and organisational leadership.
Professionally, I’ve worked across customer service, finance, sales, and administration, gaining skills in stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and team coordination. These roles helped me build the professional foundations necessary for succeeding in my current roles.
In sports administration, leading the football club has given me invaluable experience in governance, project management, and community engagement.
Continuous learning, mentoring, and embracing challenging opportunities have helped shape my professional path into the two leadership roles I hold today.
What skills are needed for these roles?
If you were looking to enter similar roles, I’d recommend you have strong communication and organisational skills, integrity and leadership skills with emotional intelligence. You need the ability to manage your time and priorities well, plus the resilience and flexibility to navigate change. Strategic thinking with operational execution is also key.
What’s the best thing about working in the sugar industry?
The best thing about working at Transmara Sugar is that my role is never monotonous. Every day presents new challenges, projects, and learning opportunities, which keep my work dynamic and engaging. I also deeply appreciate the trust and freedom extended to me by the TSCL management. The ability to work independently and make decisions without constant monitoring has empowered me to perform and take real ownership of my responsibilities.
In the 10 years I have been with Transmara Sugar Company, I have seen how the company drives economic growth, community livelihood, and regional development. The work we do impacts farmers, employees, families, and the wider value chain, and the role we play in youth development through sports – football – is something I’m truly proud of.
Office Messenger
What does your job entail?
As the company office messenger, my role involves dispatching documents between offices and collecting them once they have been fully approved by the Heads of Departments (HODs). I ensure that approved documents are delivered to the respective end users in a timely manner. Additionally, I assist with the filing and organisation of fully approved documents.
What are the most interesting parts of your role?
Ensuring that important documents, especially urgent ones, are delivered to the right individuals on time. I also welcome visitors to the company, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and are well attended to.
What qualities do you need for the role?
Trust! I take full responsibility for all documents entrusted to me, ensuring they are delivered to the correct individuals. Maintaining confidentiality is essential, as many company documents are sensitive in nature. I also keep accurate records of documents for easy tracking and accountability.
Flexibility and a positive attitude are also important in my role, as I interact with all departments and strive to maintain good working relationships, thereby gaining their trust.
How did you get into the role?
When I joined Transmara Sugar Company Limited in 2018 as an office cleaner, I approached the company CEO, Mr. Frederick North Coombes, regarding my employment. He considered my request and approved it, which is how I secured my position with the company.
While working as a cleaner, I used my free time to assist the HR clerks with arranging employees’ payslips. They trained me to organise the payslips according to departments and employment numbers. At times, I also assisted at the reception desk by welcoming visitors, responding to enquiries, and ensuring that guests had everything they needed.
What’s the best thing about working in the sugar industry?
Personally, Transmara Sugar Company has truly built me. Being given an opportunity to grow from an office cleaner to an office messenger is a great favour – one I honestly believe I might not have received elsewhere. This has made me realise that my opportunity and purpose were in a specific place, and that place is Transmara Sugar Company.
The people around me, especially my immediate bosses, have played a major role in my growth and success within the company. These individuals have greatly contributed to my development and progress to greater heights. In my view, this makes Transmara Sugar Company one of the top employers – if not the very best.
Enterprise Resource Planning Clerk
What does your role involve?
As an ERP clerk in charge of farmers’ contracts, my role involves managing and maintaining accurate farmers’ contract records using the ERP system. I ensure that all farmers’ data is properly captured, updated, verified and sorted to support smooth operation at Transmara Sugar Company.
Daily tasks for me include registering new farmers, supporting our offices and departments with contract information, generating reports and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
What are the most interesting parts of your job?
Working with large volumes of data, solving data discrepancies and interacting with field staff to resolve any contract-related issues. It’s enjoyable being part of the process that links the farmers to the company operation.
What qualities are needed to be an ERP Clerk?
Attention to detail is key. As well as computer literacy, confidence and good communication skills. You have to enjoy the challenge of problem-solving, be very well organised and thrive on being part of a team.
How did you get into the role?
I got the role after gaining experience in registry operations and ERP usage through training, accuracy and consistent performance. I earned the trust to manage farmers’ contracts, and I was appointed as ERP Clerk in charge of contracts in registry.
What’s the best thing about working in the sugar industry?
The best thing about working in the sugar industry is contributing to farmers’ success. I am part of an industry that supports economic growth and job creation. I feel proud and thankful to be awarded the Overall Best Employee 2024/25 during our family day celebrations. This motivates me to continue working with commitment, integrity and teamwork. I appreciate the support from my colleagues and management, and I promise to keep giving my best at the Transmara Sugar Company.
Environment, Health & Safety Officer
What does your role entail?
An Environment Health and Safety (EHS) officer’s role is all about ensuring workplaces and communities are safe and healthy for people – and the environment.
My role is to identify hazards in the workplace or environment, carry out risk assessments, and put measures in place to mitigate or eliminate any risks. Monitoring and reporting are also key: tracking safety performance and reporting any incidents. I’m also here to educate employees and stakeholders on safety procedures and best practices. The most important part of my role is ensuring we adhere to all laws, regulations and standards set by the company.
What are the key skills for this role?
Being an analytical thinker is a benefit, so you can problem-solve and have the attention to detail required. Communication is also key – being able to educate and understand the needs of different teams around the business.
How did you get into the role?
I hold a diploma in Business Administration, Human Resource Management and various certificates in Occupational Health & Safety, Fire Safety in the Workplace, and First Aid in the Workplace. I also have a certificate in the Control of Hazardous Substances and Chemicals in the Workplace. I started in roles as an HR Officer and Safety Co-Ordinator before moving into the role of Environment, Health and Safety Officer. I’ve worked in the sugar industry for over 13 years now, and there’s always a need to keep up-to-date on regulations and standards.
What’s the best thing about working at Transmara Sugar Company?
Working with Transmara Sugar Company can be rewarding, especially in the local community where the factory is located, as it is a significant contributor to the economy. Transmara Sugar Company is a major employer in the region and supports local farmers and communities by providing school fees advances, fertiliser at subsidised prices, free water for domestic use and making roads and infrastructure for easy mobility. The standards of living have also improved within the region.
Find out more about working at Transmara Sugar Company Limited on our Join our Team page.
