Operations Manager – Agriculture, Commercial & Events

EAF Group; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Pension scheme

Job summary

EAF Group Ltd is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day activities across agriculture, manufacturing, property, retail, transport and events in East Anglia and the South East. You will lead multiple teams, drive efficiency, safety and profitability while aligning with Directors' strategic goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, excellent communication, and a proactive, solution-focused approach to manage diverse operations and projects across several business units.

Qualifications

• Experience in an operations management or senior management role.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Experience within agriculture, farming or a related industry.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• A practical, proactive and solution-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of animal feed business and production facility.
• Manage stock, logistics and operational performance.
• liaise with suppliers, customers and transport providers with office support.
• Manage all agricultural activities including production of grass, pumpkins, tulips, flowers and other crops.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal workloads and work with farm staff/contractors to hit targets.
• Negotiate contracts with farmers for raw materials and coordinate manufacturing supply.
• Act as first point of contact for tenants within industrial property portfolio; coordinate maintenance and communications.
• Assist in planning and delivering seasonal farm-based events; coordinate operational activities for events.
• Oversee the fleet of articulated lorries; coordinate transport requirements and ensure compliance with transport legislation.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Planning

IT skills

Decision making

Problem solving

Can-do attitude

Organisational skills

Job description

Operations Manager – Agriculture, Commercial & Events

About EAF Group Ltd

EAF Group Ltd is a diverse and growing business operating across agriculture, manufacturing, property, retail, transport and events throughout East Anglia and the South East. Our activities include:

• Wholesale animal feed distribution
• Operation of retail animal and pet feed outlets
• Production and packing of straw and grass-based animal feed and bedding products
• Growing 200ha of specialist grasses, along with pumpkins, tulips and other crops for our events
• Industrial property lettings
• Operation of a garden centre
• Management of a fleet of articulated lorries
• Delivery of seasonal farm-based events

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day management of our diverse operations.

The Role

This is a varied, hands-on senior management position requiring a practical individual with excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills. Reporting directly to the Directors, you will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the business operate efficiently, safely and profitably.

The successful candidate will be proactive, commercially aware and capable of managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously. While you won't be expected to carry out every task yourself, you will be responsible for ensuring the work is completed to a high standard by the appropriate people.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Feed Business

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the wholesale animal feed business and production facility.
• Manage stock, logistics and operational performance.
• With the support of our office, liaise with suppliers, customers and transport providers.

Farming Operations

• Manage all agricultural activities including the production of grass, pumpkins, tulips, flowers and other crops.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal workloads.
• Work closely with farm staff and contractors to achieve production targets.
• Ensure machinery, labour and resources are effectively utilised.

Procurement & Manufacturing

• Negotiate contracts with farmers for the growing and supply of raw materials.
• Source additional raw materials from the open market.
• Work alongside the manufacturing operation to ensure continuity of supply.

Property Management

• Act as the first point of contact for tenants within the company's industrial property portfolio.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs and tenant communications.
• Manage occupancy and ensure a high level of customer service.

Events

• Assist in the planning, preparation and delivery of seasonal farm-based events.
• Coordinate operational activities to ensure successful event delivery.
• Work alongside the events team to maintain high visitor standards.

Transport & Logistics

• Assist in overseeing the company's fleet of articulated lorries.
• Coordinate transport requirements across the business.
• Ensure compliance with transport legislation and operational standards.

Leadership & Management

• Lead, motivate and manage staff across multiple business divisions.
• Develop effective working relationships with employees, customers, contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure clear communication across all departments.
• Identify operational improvements and implement practical solutions.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety legislation across the business.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout all operations.
• Maintain appropriate risk assessments, policies and procedures.
• Ensure all staff receive appropriate training and operate safely.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous experience in an operations management or senior management role.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Experience within agriculture, farming or a related industry.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• A practical, proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Commercial awareness and sound decision-making ability.
• Confidence managing multiple business activities simultaneously.
• A "can-do" attitude with the ability to ensure projects are completed effectively.
• Good IT and administrative skills.

Desirable Experience

• Agricultural production or crop management.
• Feed, livestock or agricultural supply industries.
• Property or facilities management.
• Event operations.
• Transport and logistics management.
• Health & Safety management qualifications or experience.

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding senior management role.
• The opportunity to work across a unique and diverse business.
• A supportive, family-owned business environment.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Long-term career development opportunities.
• Company vehicle (if applicable).
• Pension scheme and other benefits.

If you are an experienced manager who enjoys variety, thrives on responsibility and has the ability to bring people together to achieve results, we would like to hear from you.