Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Function: Senior Leadership Team
Reporting Line: Group Managing Director
Overview
An established UK-based farming organisation is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer to lead and optimise large-scale operational activities across multiple sites and regions. This role requires deep expertise in complex production environments, strong operational governance, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams at scale.
The COO will be responsible for driving operational performance, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement aligned with best-in-class industry practices.
Principal Accountabilities
Operational Leadership
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Provide strategic oversight of end-to-end operations across multiple operational farming and production units, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and regional strategies.
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Build and lead a focused, high-performing operational leadership team delivering excellence in performance, quality, and standards.
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Ensure consistent implementation of sustainable and responsible operating practices aligned with customer and stakeholder expectations.
Quality, Standards & Compliance
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Uphold and continually improve operational and ethical standards across all activities, ensuring compliance exceeds regulatory and industry benchmarks.
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Work closely with quality assurance, sustainability, and regulatory functions to maintain certifications, audits, and governance requirements.
Performance Management & KPIs
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Define, monitor, and continuously improve operational KPIs covering quality, efficiency, performance outcomes, and cost of delivery.
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Lead cost-efficiency and productivity programmes without compromising safety, quality, or standards.
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Embed data-driven decision-making to achieve leading operational performance metrics.
Team & Talent Development
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Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing operational and technical teams.
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Build leadership capability, succession planning, and functional excellence across the organisation.
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Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
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Support structured training and development programmes to enable long-term career progression.
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Shape workforce and capability plans that meet both current operational needs and future strategic requirements.
Strategic Growth & Transformation
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Partner with the Group Managing Director and executive team to shape long-term strategy and regional growth plans.
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Lead transformation initiatives, modernisation programmes, and digital or automation projects across sites.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and strategic partners.
Experience & Qualifications
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Proven senior agricultural / livestock operational leadership experience within a complex, multi-site production or manufacturing environment.
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Strong background in managing regulated livestock operations with high standards of quality, governance, and performance.
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Demonstrated track record of improving KPIs, driving efficiency, and delivering best-in-class operational outcomes.
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Exceptional people leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and align large teams.
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Strong analytical capability, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key Attributes
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Results-driven with a strong focus on operational excellence.
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Deep understanding of quality, standards, technology, and continuous improvement methodologies.
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Innovative and forward-thinking, with a transformation mindset.
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Strong communicator, able to influence effectively at all organisational levels.
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Values-led leader with integrity and a strong commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.