Head of Plant & Animal Husbandry
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Oranmore, Co. Galway
Position Overview
The Head of Plant & Animal Husbandry is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic direction, commercial performance, and sustainable growth of the Plant & Animal Husbandry business across Ireland and the UK. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the senior management team, the successful candidate will lead business development initiatives, strengthen customer relationships, support product innovation, and ensure the delivery of ambitious commercial objectives.
The role requires a commercially focused leader with strong technical knowledge of grassland, crop protection, weed control, and veterinary medicines, particularly parasite control products for livestock and companion animals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
-
Develop and implement the strategic vision and business plan for the Plant & Animal Husbandry division.
-
Lead the delivery of business objectives, ensuring sustainable revenue growth and profitability.
-
Contribute as a key member of the senior leadership and innovation teams.
-
Identify and evaluate new market, customer, and sales channel opportunities.
Commercial Management
-
Take ownership of business development, commercial performance, and financial results.
-
Prepare and manage annual revenue, gross margin, and budget forecasts.
-
Build and maintain strong commercial relationships with customers, distributors, and key industry stakeholders.
-
Lead commercial negotiations and resolve trading issues effectively.
-
Work closely with Area Managers to achieve strategic sales objectives.
Technical & Product Leadership
-
Provide technical support and guidance to Area Managers, customers, and farmers.
-
Demonstrate expertise in grassland management, crop protection, weed control, and veterinary medicines.
-
Collaborate with the Technical Director and wider team to identify new product opportunities aligned with customer needs and market trends.
-
Support the successful development and launch of new products.
Marketing & Business Development
-
Partner with the Marketing Manager to develop and execute annual marketing plans.
-
Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to support business growth.
-
Develop initiatives that strengthen market position and expand customer reach.
Leadership & Performance
-
Foster a results-driven, collaborative, and customer-focused culture.
-
Demonstrate sound commercial judgement and analytical decision-making.
-
Ensure effective planning, organisation, and administration across all areas of responsibility.
-
Promote clear communication, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge & Skills
-
Strong understanding of grassland management, crop production, and weed control.
-
Knowledge of veterinary medicines, particularly parasite control products for livestock and companion animals.
-
Commercial acumen with experience delivering profitable business growth.
-
Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
-
Strong analytical and numerical ability with experience interpreting commercial data.
-
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
-
High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
-
Well organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
-
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently.
-
Decisive with balanced judgement and strong business awareness.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
-
Minimum five years' senior commercial experience within the agricultural and/or veterinary industry.
-
Degree in Business, Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related discipline.
-
Proven track record of business development, commercial growth, and strategic leadership.
-
Demonstrated success in building and developing businesses in competitive and changing markets.
-
Full, valid driving licence.
Desirable
-
Professional Adviser (PA) status or willingness to obtain accreditation through employer-supported training.
-
Ongoing commitment to maintaining required professional accreditation and continuing professional development.
Personal Attributes
-
Commercially driven with strong leadership capability.
-
Strategic thinker with an innovative mindset.
-
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
-
Customer focused with the ability to build long-term partnerships.
-
Proactive, adaptable, and resilient.
-
Strong integrity and professionalism.
-
Passionate about delivering high-quality results while supporting team success.
For more information, please email [email protected]
