At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage farmer relationships and drive sustainability programmes in the dairy sector.
- Company: Join Arla, a global leader in dairy with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days holiday, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of dairy while supporting farmers and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in agriculture and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
How you will make an impact
Are you passionate about agriculture, sustainability and animal welfare? Would you like to play a key role in helping shape the future of dairy across the UK? As Customer Agriculture Manager, you will join our Customer Agriculture team and work closely with farmers, retailer and foodservice customers, and internal commercial teams to deliver welfare and sustainability programmes across our UK farmer-owner network. Reporting to the Senior Commercial Agriculture Manager UK, you will help strengthen customer relationships, support farmer engagement and drive positive sustainability outcomes across the dairy supply chain.
- Manage retailer-aligned farmer groups, farmer meetings and customer reporting
- Build strong relationships with farmers, customers and internal stakeholders to support programme delivery
- Manage on-farm performance relating to customer standards, welfare and sustainability requirements
- Support commercial teams in engaging prospective customers around welfare and sustainability programmes
- Lead customer-specific sustainability and agriculture projects where appropriate
This is a maternity cover position and involves regular travel to farms, customer sites and Leeds Head Office.
What will make you successful
You will bring experience of working closely with farmers and have a strong interest in agriculture, sustainability and animal welfare. Experience working with UK retailers, foodservice organisations or agricultural supply chains would be highly advantageous. Success in this role will come from your ability to build trusted relationships, manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively with a diverse stakeholder group. You will enjoy working collaboratively, be comfortable influencing others and have a genuine passion for supporting sustainable dairy farming.
What do we offer?
At Arla, you will join a farmer-owned cooperative with a clear purpose and long-term commitment to sustainability. You will have the opportunity to build relationships across our farming, customer and commercial communities whilst contributing to programmes that have a real impact on the future of dairy. Our benefits include competitive salary, 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, flexible working, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, company vehicle, discounted products, training and development opportunities, flexible benefits and access to an inclusive and collaborative culture.
Would you like to join us?
If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to customer-facing sustainability programmes whilst working closely with farmers and commercial stakeholders, we would love to hear from you.
For additional information please contact TA Partner – Oliver Hickson-Burr olibu@arlafoods.com
This advert will close on the 28th August 2026.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
Customer Agriculture Manager - Leeds employer: Arla
Arla Lockerbie is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, where continuous improvement and operational excellence are at the forefront. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. With a commitment to sustainability and a culture that values every team member, Arla is dedicated to helping you thrive in your career while shaping the future of dairy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Agriculture Manager - Leeds
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Arla often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Agriculture Manager - Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Arla does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Arla will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Arla.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Arla.
