Head of Milling and Grain

Reports To: General Manager, Agribusiness & Member Trading Direct Reports: Production, Maintenance, Grain Operations, Logistics, Nutrition, Continuous Improvement, Analytical Services Qualification: Third-level qualification in Food Science & Technology, Business, Engineering, or related field Experience: 10+ years’ relevant operational leadership experiencePurpose of the RoleThe Head of Milling & Grain is responsible for leading, optimising, and developing all milling and grain operations across multiple sites. The role carries full accountability for production performance, quality, supply chain efficiency, safety, and customer service. A key focus is driving a high-performing team culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering strategic operational improvements across the milling and grain portfolio.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipDevelop and implement operational strategies aligned with divisional objectives.Lead site operations plans and performance reviews across all milling and grain functions.Oversee capital planning, asset management, and operational footprint development.Promote a strong customer-focused culture and empower teams in delivering service excellence.People Management & PerformanceLead integrated S&OP processes, ensuring cross-functional alignment and accountability.Define and monitor KPIs to drive performance improvement and operational excellence.Manage budgets (P&L, OPEX, CAPEX) and enforce disciplined cost control.Build strong teams with effective succession planning and employee engagement initiatives.Continuous Improvement & ComplianceLead Continuous Improvement, AMIS, UFAS, and IGAS programmes.Drive sustainability, energy efficiency, and process optimisation initiatives.Ensure full compliance with State, EU, environmental, and regulatory requirements.Lead change management programmes in line with business and culture strategies.Grain OperationsOversee grain scheduling, drying, storage, and quality management across sites.Lead infrastructure upgrades and lifecycle replacement projects.Ensure HACCP compliance and maintain high-quality feed production standards.Manage end-to-end feed supply chain performance.Environmental Health & SafetyChampion a Zero Harm culture and ensure compliance with all EPA licence conditions.Promote safe working practices and lead incident management and reporting.Implement safety culture programmes and continuous improvement in safety behaviours.Communication & EngagementDrive strong communication practices across all milling and grain teams.Strengthen engagement with customers, members, contractors, and internal stakeholders.Provide strategic insights and operational updates to senior leadership.Credit & Financial ManagementMonitor customer accounts and ensure adherence to credit policies and payment terms.Maintenance & Asset CareLead implementation of IGMS to achieve world-class maintenance standards.Apply CI tools to improve materials, operations, and quality performance.Quality & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with all regulations governing feed production and delivery.Lead hygiene, quality assurance, and calibration programmes across all sites.Key Skills & CompetenciesProven ability to lead large-scale operations and capital projects.Strong commercial acumen and customer-centric approach.Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.Skilled in leading teams, driving engagement, and implementing organisational change.Strong problem solving and decision-making ability.Technically capable and committed to high performance standards.Comfortable working in a fast-paced matrix environment and managing ambiguity.Proficient in ERP systems, reporting tools, Microsoft Office, and AI-enabled platforms.Commitment to continuous personal learning and development.Key Performance IndicatorsZero Harm and safety metricsEPA audit resultsSpend vs budget across milling, grain, and labourOperational efficiency (including OEE)CI and cost reduction project deliveryCompliance audit outcomesCapital project delivery and implementationKey Stakeholders & CollaboratorsGeneral Manager, Agribusiness & Member TradingRevenue & Commercial teamsBusiness Development, Digital & InnovationMember Trading teamsHR and H&S teamsRetail Operations and branch managementAgri site teams, grain satellite sitesInside Sales, Agri Leads, and Technical AdvisorsFor more information please contact Christina Keating on #LI-CK4