Calf Supply Development Manager

Calf Supply Development Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with calf suppliers and ensure a steady supply of high-quality calves.
  • Company: Join a growing agricultural business with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the agriculture sector while building valuable relationships.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of calf genetics and experience in supplier management.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Calf Supply Development Manager to support the growth and development of our calf procurement network. This hybrid role combines office-based planning and administration with extensive field-based supplier engagement. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, acquiring, onboarding, and maintaining relationships with calf suppliers while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality calves to meet business requirements.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of calf genetics and breeding systems, enabling them to identify and develop supply partnerships that deliver consistent, high-quality calves aligned with customer specifications and market requirements.

Key Responsibilities
  • Supplier Acquisition & Development
    • Identify and engage potential calf suppliers across designated regions.
    • Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective contract calf suppliers.
    • Conduct farm visits to assess suitability, production standards, and supply potential.
    • Negotiate and establish calf supply agreements in line with company requirements.
    • Build long-term relationships with farmers, livestock producers, and industry stakeholders.
    • Represent the business at agricultural events, livestock markets, and industry meetings.
  • Supply Chain Coordination
    • Coordinate calf procurement activities to ensure continuity of supply.
    • Monitor supplier performance, volumes, and quality standards.
    • Work closely with operations and logistics teams to align supply with demand.
    • Maintain accurate supplier records, contracts, and procurement data.
    • Assist in forecasting supply requirements and identifying supply risks.
  • Quality & Compliance
    • Ensure suppliers meet company animal welfare, health, and biosecurity standards.
    • Support implementation of supplier compliance programmes.
    • Monitor market trends, calf availability, and pricing movements.
    • Identify opportunities for supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
  • Relationship Management
    • Act as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers.
    • Resolve supplier issues promptly and professionally.
    • Provide regular updates and reports to management on supplier activities and procurement performance.
Skills & Experience
  • Essential Skills & Experience
    • Strong understanding of dairy and calf production systems.
    • Good knowledge of calf genetics, breeding programmes, and sire selection within dairy beef supply chains.
    • Ability to assess calf quality, genetic potential, and suitability for customer and market requirements.
    • Understanding of dairy breeding trends, including the use of beef-on-dairy genetics and their impact on calf performance and value.
    • An established network of dairy farm contacts and industry relationships that can be leveraged to support supplier acquisition and development.
  • Highly Desirable
    • Experience working with breeding programmes, genetic evaluations, or livestock procurement.
    • Knowledge of leading dairy and beef genetics, breeding indexes, and performance traits.
    • Understanding of how genetics influence calf health, growth rates, feed efficiency, carcass performance, and overall supply chain value.
Personal Attributes
  • Driven and target-focused.
  • Confident engaging with farmers and industry stakeholders.
  • Professional and trustworthy.
  • Practical problem solver.
  • Resilient and adaptable.
  • Passionate about agriculture and livestock production.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary.
  • Hybrid working environment.
  • Opportunities for career progression within a growing agricultural business.
  • Ongoing training and professional development.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Number of new contracted calf suppliers onboarded.
  • Weekly and monthly calf supply volumes secured.
  • Supplier retention rates.
  • Compliance with quality and welfare standards.
  • Supply chain continuity and fulfilment targets.
  • Growth of supplier network within target regions.

Calf Supply Development Manager employer: Buitelaar Group

As a leading player in the agricultural sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture. Our hybrid working environment allows for flexibility between office and field-based activities, while our commitment to ongoing training and professional development ensures that employees can grow their careers within our expanding business. With competitive salaries and a focus on building strong relationships within the industry, we offer a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about livestock production and agriculture.

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Contact Details:

Buitelaar Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Calf Supply Development Manager

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 Buitelaar Group 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 Calf Supply Development Manager

Calf Genetics
Breeding Systems
Supplier Acquisition
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Supply Chain Coordination
Quality Assurance

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 Buitelaar Group does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Buitelaar Group

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 Buitelaar Group 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 Buitelaar Group.

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 Buitelaar Group.