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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at our new biological production site, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Yara, a global leader in sustainable agriculture and innovative nutrient solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, private health, pension, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in regenerative agriculture while working in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: University degree and 5+ years in Operations Management with strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a major investment phase with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.
About the Unit
Yara Pocklington is part of the global company Yara International ASA and is a leader in the product development, manufacture and marketing of speciality nutrients & biostimulant products for use in regenerative agriculture worldwide. The business has grown significantly in recent years and has continued ambitious growth objectives for its Biological products. To meet this growth a new Global Production plant is currently being built in Howden, UK.
We are currently seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead our UK manufacturing site operations and contribute to the strategic direction of our business. Reporting to the VP for Operations in Europe, the Operations Director will have full responsibility for site operations, safety, compliance, people leadership, financial delivery and shaping the long-term business strategy. Based from both Pocklington and Howden sites, we are looking for a leader who is not only experienced but also enthusiastic about making a significant impact in our organization.
Responsibilities
- Site Management: Oversee the operations and management of the site in Howden ensuring safe, efficient and compliant production activities in addition to also managing the site in Pocklington.
- Safety: Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, including COMAH upper-tier requirements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Product Management and Business Development teams.
- Product and Market Development: Drive initiatives to enhance product offerings and expand market reach for YaraVita and YaraAmplix portfolios.
- Financial Oversight: Manage the financial results of the entity, ensuring profitability, sustainable growth and analysis of investment needs and capital projects.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with markets and the supply chain to achieve shared goals.
Profile
- University degree level qualification (Business, Chemistry, Engineering)
- Five or more years of experience in Operations Management
- Demonstrable leadership, supervision, and team-building skills
- Strong knowledge and adherence of industry and industry's safety standards
- Strong problem solving and collaboration skills
- Passionate in improving business performance, safety and operational excellence
- Proactive, action driven, innovative, ability to adapt to change
In addition to a great place to work, Yara offer an attractive salary, company car, private health, pension etc. This is an exciting opportunity to join a strategic business during a major investment phase - including the development of a brand-new production facility. Apply online today to be part of this journey with us!
Contact details: Helen Coxon (helen.coxon@yara.com) Senior HR Advisor. Apply no later than 13th July 2025.
Knowledge grows through differences. Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchored Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.
As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.
Operations Director - Biologicals employer: Yara International
Contact Detail:
Yara International Recruiting Team
helen.coxon@yara.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Biologicals
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Yara's mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture. This will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Yara, particularly those in operations or leadership roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed operations in a similar industry. Highlight your experience with safety compliance and team leadership, as these are crucial for the Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in biological products and regenerative agriculture. Being knowledgeable about industry advancements will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Biologicals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in operations management, particularly in the biological or agricultural sectors. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Yara. Mention your understanding of their mission and how you can contribute to their ambitious growth objectives.
Highlight Safety and Compliance Experience: Given the importance of safety in this role, be sure to include any relevant experience you have in championing safety cultures and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Showcase Stakeholder Collaboration Skills: In your application, illustrate your ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with teams across different functions to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yara International
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to team-building and conflict resolution.
✨Understand Safety Regulations
Given the emphasis on safety in this role, make sure you are well-versed in relevant safety regulations, particularly COMAH upper-tier requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented safety protocols in previous positions.
✨Highlight Financial Acumen
This position requires financial oversight, so be prepared to discuss your experience with managing budgets, analysing financial results, and ensuring profitability. Bring specific examples of how you've contributed to financial success in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Collaboration
Building relationships with key stakeholders is crucial. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with other departments or external partners to achieve shared goals, and be ready to share these stories during your interview.
