Managing Director - Agricultural and Business Portfolio (UK)

As part of its succession planning, a leading agricultural business with diverse interests in mixed arable, pig farming and property is seeking an experienced and proactive professional to join as the Managing Director. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business and driving growth across their evolving portfolio.

This is a very well established, financially secure, family business based in the East of England. It has heritage and profile. It has a strong eye on the future and is well supported by its board of directors and family shareholders who work cohesively with their 3 senior managers supporting 40 staff across the enterprise.

In this substantial role, you will be leading from the front. Drawing upon your agricultural experience and commercial acumen you will shape and drive the business forward. You will be well rewarded with a generous package that goes with a position at this level. You will have autonomy and support. You will have the interest of multiple enterprises to get your teeth into, all based in a beautiful part of the UK.

As Managing Director your Key Responsibilities are:

Overall Business Management

Develop, manage and enhance the performance of the business within the agreed mandate.

Serve as 'the face of the business' and represent the company in various capacities.

Strategic Leadership

Set, present and implement a comprehensive business strategy for growth.

Lead the Management Team in achieving targets, performance goals, and successful delivery.

Cultural Development

Foster a high-performance culture focused on opportunity and growth.

Uphold the core values held by the family business

Stakeholder Management

Manage key accounts, including customers, suppliers, consultants, and stakeholders.

Marketing and Market Management

Oversee and manage crop futures, grain marketing alongside the balancing with feed input and forward contracting.

Oversee all brand and business marketing activity.

Ensure marketing strategies are devised and delivered.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure internal governance, compliance, and risk management align with the mandate.

Human Resources

Oversee staff recruitment, development, training, and HR functions with the support of consultants.

Monitor and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) progress against budgets and plans.

Financial Oversight

Manage financial and contractual commitments of the company.

Reporting

Report to the Board on business performance and strategic initiatives.

Report to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Administration

Manage the Company Secretary to ensure efficient administrative support.

Resource Management

Direct and control company resources to maximise cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

External Representation

Promote the company and business externally.

Represent the company in negotiations with customers, suppliers, and key contacts.

Policy Development

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with health and safety and other statutory regulations

Your profile - Qualifications and Experience:

Extensive experience and a demonstrable track record in a senior position leading a diversified agribusiness.

A deep knowledge of UK agriculture.

Relevant experience in business management especially P&L, balance sheet, people and strategy development.

Ideally, but not essential, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Agricultural or Business Management or a related subject.

Remuneration:

Generous salary + performance bonus

Company vehicle

Private healthcare

Relocation support (if required)

If you are a strategic leader with a passion for agriculture and business, and you have the qualifications and experience to drive success in a diverse and dynamic environment, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

To apply:

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Jon Handley on: Office or e-mail your CV and covering letter to

De Lacy Executive Recruitment will upload your CV to our database and retain some data about you in order to process your application. More information about our processing activities can be found at Please be assured that all contact is treated in complete confidence and your details will not be passed to a third party without your prior permission.