At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead all commercial operations at Leckford, driving excellence in retail, leisure, food processing, and farming.
- Company: Join Waitrose & Partners, a leader in regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, flexible working options, and a permanent contract.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, inclusive culture focused on collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while leading a dynamic team in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in farming, food processing, retail, or leisure with strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
About the Role
Step into a pivotal role on the Leckford leadership team, taking full accountability for all commercial operations spanning retail, leisure, food processing and farming. You will leverage your expert commercial and operational skills to secure a profitable estate and define brand value for Waitrose & Partners through our Leckford brand and our wider role as the Waitrose Centre for Regenerative Agriculture. Lead with agility, driving a fast‑learning, cross‑functional culture that champions operational excellence and a relentless customer focus to deliver the Leckford business plan and its significant contribution to the Partnership's plan and purpose. You will provide strategic direction and hold ultimate accountability for executing effective, safe, legal, and compliant businesses, building long‑term resilience through expert investment and business planning.
Salary up to £100,000 depending on experience. Permanent contract. Full time 35 hours per week with occasional weekend working. Four days a week at the estate with the option for one day working at home and attendance at our Head Office locations in Bracknell / London when required.
Location: Leckford Estate, Leckford, Hampshire.
Key Responsibilities
- Set clear intent, direction and operating standards for departments (farming, food processing, retail, leisure) to achieve the Leckford business plan and financial performance.
- Ensure exemplary external and internal audit and health and safety performance to drive customer and commercial outcomes.
- Own business processes and policy frameworks, leading continuous improvement to deliver lean, simple and fast operations.
- Ensure effective, planned, timely delivery for investment projects within budgeted spend.
- Deliver the Leckford strategy through translating into an annual business plan, setting clear financial targets and driving performance through KPIs.
- Hold Operational Managers accountable for optimising delivery of their department performance, their wider contribution to Leckford and Waitrose.
- Own commercial relationships with the Waitrose team, proactively managing supply relationships and commercial terms.
- Empower and support teams to make informed decisions and resolve challenges.
- Set the conditions for high‑performing teams by creating and maintaining an environment, underpinned by inclusivity and collaboration, in which individuals are motivated and supported to work seamlessly and flexibly to deliver team and estate outcomes.
- Ensure sufficient capability and resources are in place to support the delivery of business plans for Leckford.
- Ensure all Partners are trained, developed and supported in their roles.
- Build internal and external networks to keep abreast of key technological best practice, customer requirements, market conditions and trends to manage the ongoing evolution and development of propositions within your remit.
- Highlight commercial opportunities and represent Leckford externally, ensuring that it retains a positive brand reputation.
Essential Skills & Experience
- An experienced leader with significant relevant technical and operational expertise across at least one of farming, food processing, retail or leisure industries.
- Technically minded, customer focused and data‑insight driven.
- Strong commercial and operational acumen and the knowledge, skill and conviction to take key business decisions.
- Experience of supporting others to embrace change and of creating and developing high‑performing teams.
- Ability to attract, lead, motivate and develop first‑class talent.
- Possessing credibility and impact with their own teams and stakeholders in a business.
- Able to quickly gain confidence and trust through impeccable technical and business judgment, good communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Deep understanding of and commitment to the Partnership’s values.
- Show passion to do the best for our business and role model values.
- Required to hold a full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- A track record of improving team capability to deliver efficient and effective operational outcomes across multiple, diverse departments and locations.
- LEAN/Six Sigma trained.
- Previous land‑based or food sector employment.
Closing Date: June 14, 2026.
General Manager- Commercial Operations Leckford employer: John Lewis plc
Join Waitrose & Partners at the Leckford Estate, where you will be part of a dynamic leadership team dedicated to operational excellence and sustainable practices. With a strong focus on employee development, inclusivity, and collaboration, we offer a supportive work culture that empowers you to drive significant contributions to our business and community. Enjoy competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead innovative projects in a picturesque Hampshire setting, making this an exceptional place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager- Commercial Operations Leckford
✨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 John Lewis plc 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 General Manager- Commercial Operations Leckford
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 John Lewis plc does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨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 John Lewis plc 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 John Lewis plc.
✨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 John Lewis plc.
