General Manager - Agriculture

LIDL; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking a General Manager – Agriculture to oversee its egg production facilities. This role involves managing daily operations, implementing long-term strategies for productivity and sustainability, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices. The ideal applicant is results-driven and has a passion for operational excellence. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with their CV.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of animal welfare standards and biosecurity protocols.
• Experience in leading multi-site agricultural or livestock operations.
• Proven ability to manage KPIs such as egg production and flock health.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategies for egg production efficiency.
• Lead daily operations of multiple laying hen facilities.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare and environmental standards.

Skills

Animal welfare standards

Farming technologies

Data analytics tools

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Farm management systems

Job description

The General Manager – Agriculture is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across the company's egg production facilities. This role leads and holds responsibility for the development and implementation of long-term plans to enhance bird welfare, productivity, and sustainability, while also overseeing day-to-day farm operations to maintain high standards of performance, compliance, and efficiency. The position plays a key role in driving innovation, optimising resources, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Reports to: Director of Agriculture

About the Role

Key Accountabilities

• Leadership and Planning – Develop and execute long-term strategies to enhance egg production efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
• Provide visionary leadership to farm managers and operational teams, ensuring alignment with broader department goals, organisational objectives, and industry trends.
• Operational Management – Hold accountability and lead the daily operations of multiple laying hen facilities, ensuring adherence to best practices in poultry husbandry and production.
• Take ownership, drive and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as egg production, feed consumption, mortality, overall flock health, and performance.
• Compliance and Animal Welfare – Ensure full compliance with animal welfare legislation, biosecurity protocols, and environmental standards, embedding these into both planning and daily routines.
• Manage and maintain certifications, ensuring audit readiness and adherence to evolving regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership and Development – Build and mentor a high-performing farm leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous learning.
• Facilitate training programs to enhance both technical expertise and leadership capabilities within the team.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making – Leverage farm management systems and data analytics to inform strategic decisions and optimise operational performance.
• Produce and present regular performance reports and insights to senior leadership, supporting transparency and informed decision‑making.
• Stakeholder Collaboration – Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal departments such as supply chain, commercial, and sustainability teams to ensure alignment between production and market needs.
• Represent the organisation in industry forums, regulatory engagements, and stakeholder meetings.
• Health & Safety Responsibilities – Oversee and coordinate the health and safety policies and procedures, provide feedback to shape the strategic direction and vision for the health and safety culture and objectives, allocate resources for health and safety activities and initiatives, ensure compliance with legislation, audit and report performance to senior management and external authorities where required.
• Social & Environmental Responsibilities – Set clear and measurable social and environmental objectives and targets, align them with the company's vision and values, monitor and evaluate performance and report progress and challenges, allocate resources and provide support to enable delivery.

About You

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Strong knowledge of animal welfare standards, biosecurity protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with farm management systems, farming technologies, and data analytics tools.
• Understanding of supply chain dynamics and how production aligns with market demand.
• Proven experience in leading multi‑site agricultural or livestock operations.
• Strong people management skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Experience in change management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage KPIs such as egg production, feed efficiency, flock health, and mortality.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining quality assurance and compliance frameworks.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational issues.
• Experience in developing and executing long‑term strategies to improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
• Ability to translate organisational goals into actionable farm‑level plans.
• Track record of driving innovation and adopting new technologies or practices in agricultural settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, senior leadership, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience representing an organisation in external forums, audits, and regulatory discussions.

Personal Attributes

• Ensures teams come together for regular briefings.
• Takes ownership for holding themselves and the team accountable for the What and the How.
• Is courageous and makes difficult decisions in challenging circumstances using data and/or sound thought processes.
• Is an ambassador for action, demonstrating speed and integrity in everything they do.
• Builds trust in the team by demonstrating genuine care and respect for each other and for everyone's point of view.
• Strives for excellence, bringing the strategy, purpose, and values to life and engaging their team.

Key Stakeholders

• Agriculture leadership team
• Wider agriculture department
• Senior leadership team
• Wider internal departments
• Genetic companies
• Relevant Government Departments and NGOs (e.g. APHA, BEIC, and RSPCA)
• Customers

If you are a dynamic, results‑driven leader with a passion for operational excellence, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position. Please get in touch for more information or apply with your CV today.