Area Manager for South West England
Home Based with Travel

About Us

First Milk is a wholly British farmer-owned dairy co-operative with a vision to create value for members by delivering long-term prosperity in the form of success, profitability, security and wellbeing.

Owned by the family farms that supply us with milk and invest capital in the business, we produce award-winning cheddar, regional cheeses and dairy ingredients, as well as marketing fresh raw milk to many other UK dairy processors.

We work together as one team, with a relentless focus on efficiency and quality, to deliver competitive total returns to our farmer members. We put customers at the heart of our business, creating value through strong, long-term partnerships.

As an Area Manager at First Milk, you will be the key external face of the organisation in the South West England region. You will liaise directly with our members, stakeholders, and external partners to address complex issues, support members in achieving the best possible returns, and enable them to thrive in a regenerative farming environment. You will play a central role in delivering our recruitment and retention strategy, ensuring the continued growth of our milk supply, and fostering long-term, sustainable relationships with our farmers.

The Benefits

• Salary up to of £37 500 per annum
• Bonus
• Life insurance
• 34 days’ holiday including public Bank Holidays
• Pension
• Home Allowance

You’ll discover a team that’s like a finely aged cheddar – strong, supportive and full of character – who celebrate their successes and empower each other to achieve their best each day.

What’s more, we will ensure that you’re equipped with everything you need to grow and excel in your role, including ample well-being support and professional development opportunities.

The Role

As an Area Manager, you will be the external face of First Milk, liaising with members and stakeholders in dealing with complex issues.

Additionally, you will:
• Retain members through ensuring all their administrative and communication needs are met.
• Increase milk volumes from existing members by improving member confidence
• Recruit new milk volumes, through either membership or direct supply
• Work with Farmers to create regen farming plans, listen to their needs and signpost regen farming initiatives.
• Perform Farm business, Regenerative Farming or similar reviews, on all member farms within agreed timescales
• Manage levels of resignations and rescindments
• Communicate and action results from member surveys and promote the benefits of First Milk to our members

About You

To be considered as our Area Manager, you will need to have:
• Farming or Agricultural Background: Ideally, you will have a strong understanding of farming practices, particularly regenerative agriculture. A background in dairy farming is highly desirable.
• Sales and Commercial Expertise: Proven sales skills and a commercial focus, with the ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade effectively.
• Strong Communication and Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with farmers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Able to deal with complex issues, providing practical solutions and supporting members through challenging situations.
• Recruitment & Retention Focus: Experience in delivering successful recruitment and retention strategies, particularly in agricultural or cooperative settings.
• Negotiation and Influencing: Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with farmers and stakeholders, influencing positive outcomes for the cooperative and its members.
• Proactive and Organised: A self-starter who can proactively plan and execute strategies, with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

If you are an experienced Area Manager with a passion for farming, sustainability, and building strong relationships, we’d love to hear from you!

Please apply via email to: recruitment@firstmilk.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 10 January 2025