Farmers Weekly Advert
The Company
WD Farmers Limited (WDF) is the organisation which supports the dairy farmers that supply milk to Waitrose and ensures the smooth running of the Waitrose Milk Scheme. WDF has over 50 milk producers supplying both organic and conventional milk exclusively for Waitrose, and unusually in this sector, the farmers themselves run the Waitrose Milk Scheme through their own representative body.
Waitrose milk producers deliver the highest standards for milk production; and these standards reflect not just the production of milk but also high standards for animal welfare, the quality of animal housing, the training of staff and many other areas which Waitrose and their farmers consider important to the Waitrose customer.
The role of the Milk Scheme Manager is a newly created position which has come about because of structural reorganisation within the WDF Management Team. It is an important position which involves a high degree of collaboration with WDF members, Müller (our milk processor), Waitrose & Partners (our retailer customer), and other key stakeholders working with us to support our Scheme.
The ideal candidate will have a successful background in agriculture combined with knowledge of current dairy farming practices. They will champion British farming of the highest quality and be passionate about ensuring a strong future for the British dairy industry.
Purpose of this role
- To work with and support the WDF Board, WDF Administrator, WDF Producers and key partners.
- Manage the day-to-day running of the WDF Milk Scheme in conjunction with our milk processor's Retail Group Manager.
- Take the lead on delivering strategic objectives set by the Board.
- Represent WDF when working in collaboration with the agriculture team at Waitrose & Partners and representatives of other livestock supply chain businesses to deliver food to feel good about.
- To ensure that the Board and partners are kept informed of developments both within WDF and the wider dairy industry, that could affect the Waitrose supply chain; and to highlight issues that might affect future sustainable production.
Duties
- Responsible for the day-to-day running of the WDF Milk Scheme, including acting as Corporate Administrator for the Board and scheme projects.
- Work alongside our Admin support and scheme partners.
- Contribute to WDF Board meetings and committees, other meetings, working groups, subsidiary and advisory committees as allocated or requested.
- Provide regular reports and advise WDF Board on general industry and specific scheme matters.
- Develop and maintain relationships with all stakeholders and work collaboratively on joint projects.
- Work on the implementation of WDF policy and strategy, including the preparation and presentation of specialist papers and briefings as required.
- Represent WDF at meetings, events, and conferences as appropriate.
- Promote the interests of the business.
- Lead on development of the Milk Scheme.
- Conduct farm visits and audits as required.
Person Specification
- Experience of working in the UK dairy sector or wider food and farming sector.
- Strong understanding of market data and sentiment.
- Passionate about the British Dairy industry and a desire to work with industry leading producers.
- Proven experience in leadership and managing diverse stakeholders.
- Experience of working at senior management level and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to collaboration and communications.
- Ability to approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset.
- Good project management and time management skills.
- A confident communicator and presenter.
- A good understanding of business processes including risk management and reporting.
- Proficient in using Microsoft's suite of tools.
- Experience of report writing and data analysis.
- An understanding of current farming practices.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Degree level qualification in agriculture-related subject.
- Experience of working at a senior level within the dairy sector or an agricultural food/supply chain environment; or wider food and farming sector.
- A full UK driving license is essential. Travel covers Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxon, Worcestershire and Camarthenshire.
Benefits
- Flexible working hours.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free eye test every two years
Application
All applicants to provide a CV and cover letter. Please include your salary expectation for this
You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
