Farms Business Unit Director - Ireland

Keelings; Swords; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop

Free on-site parking with access to electric chargers

Wellness initiatives such as wellness week

Job summary

Keelings is seeking a Farms Business Unit Director to lead the financial and operational strategy for their farms in Ireland. The role requires strong leadership and management capabilities to ensure efficiency and profitability. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in horticulture and a strong affinity for continuous improvement.

As director, you'll oversee strategic initiatives including resource allocation, capital investments, and operational performance, aligning with Keelings' commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• Proven leadership capabilities with a team.
• Ability to manage and oversee agricultural operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the operational plan for the Farms.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations of the farm.
• Own full P & L performance for Irish Farms.
• Drive capital investment strategy and execution.
• Provide agile operational leadership through KPIs.

Skills

Agility and hands‑on leadership style

Strategic & commercial skills

Communication & stakeholder management skills

Experience managing horticultural farming units

Change management experience

Continuous improvement mindset

Excellent prioritisation and focus skills

Education

MBA or bachelor’s degree relevant to the role

Evidence of continuous learning

Job description

About Keelings

Keelings is a 100% Irish‑owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top‑quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships – powered by our dedicated people.

Purpose of the Role

The Farms Business Unit Director is accountable to lead and deliver the financial, operational plan for the Farms in Republic of Ireland to align with the Business strategy. The nature of this role requires the ability to ensure that the day‑to‑day operations are run to best‑in‑class standards whilst developing and maintaining robust short‑ and medium‑term business plans to fulfil the strategic requirements of the Keelings Irish farms.

Keelings Values

• People Matter – We support and treat each other in a clear, fair and respectful way. We all learn, develop and encourage everyone to contribute
• Teamwork – We inspire and help each other to deliver our ambitions together as One Keelings
• Integrity – We do the right thing and deliver on our commitments
• Passion for Achievement – We motivate ourselves and each other to achieve our ambitions with energy, knowledge and courage. We are always striving to be better.

Accountabilities

• Drive the day‑to‑day operations ensuring allocation of resources are managed and the farm is running efficiently and to best‑in‑class standards.
• Own full P & L performance for Irish Farms, ensuring delivery of financial targets, cost discipline, and sustainable profitability.
• Lead capital investment strategy, including the development, prioritisation, and execution of all CapEx programmes to support long‑term growth and efficiency.
• Drive innovation and R&D agenda, securing grant funding where appropriate and translating research into commercially viable outcomes.
• Provide agile operational leadership, across all key performance indicators.
• Ensure business resilience and growth, overseeing due diligence, stability, continuity planning, and strategic expansion initiatives.
• Champion continuous quality improvement, setting clear standards and leading initiatives that deliver measurable year‑on‑year enhancements in product quality and consistency.
• Build organisational capability, driving staff development, robust performance management, and effective succession planning to ensure long‑term leadership strength.
• Identify and deliver growth and efficiency opportunities, proactively researching, evaluating, and implementing improvements across operations and commercial activity.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Business profitability and improvement.
• Yield performance & improvement.
• Cost performance & improvement.
• Planning performance & improvement.

Key Skills & Knowledge

• Agility and hands‑on leadership style to motivate the team.
• Excellent strategic & commercial skills (financial acumen, commercial awareness).
• Excellent communication & stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience managing horticultural farming units.
• Change management experience.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent prioritisation and focus skills.

Education & Training

• MBA or bachelor’s degree relevant to the role or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuous learning throughout career.

Additional Relevant Information

In addition, the post holder is required to understand and adhere to Keelings Company Values, and reflect these values in both behaviour and performance.

Benefits

• Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidised canteen.
• Free on‑site parking with access to electric chargers.
• Wellness initiatives such as wellness week.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at [e-mail].

Recruitment Process

1. CV submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
2. Phone screening
3. 1st interview
4. 2nd interview
5. Outcome & feedback