National Forage Crops Manager

Wynnstay Group PLC · Direct employer

Role Overview:

This is a permanent office based position, based full-time at our Astley Grainlink site near Shrewsbury


Are you commercially minded, passionate about agriculture and ready to shape the future of a key product portfolio?


As Wynnstay's National Forage Crops Manager, you'll lead the commercial development and growth of our forage seed offering - turning market insight into opportunities that increase sales, strengthen margins and deliver genuine value for our customers.


Taking ownership of the annual forage seed plan and budget, you'll influence every stage of the portfolio, from product development, pricing and procurement through to production, stock management and routes to market. You'll ensure we offer the right products, at the right price, through the right channels.


Leading the forage seed product management team, you'll collaborate with colleagues across Sales, Stores, Marketing and Finance to expand our reach across retail, direct and wholesale markets. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who combines strong forage seed knowledge with commercial ambition and wants to play a leading role in the continued growth of one of the UK's most established agricultural businesses.


Responsibilities:


  • Own and deliver the annual forage seed sales, gross margin and profit budget.


  • Monitor commercial performance, identifying risks, opportunities and actions needed to achieve agreed targets.


  • Lead the development and ongoing management of Wynnstay's forage seed portfolio.


  • Review product and range performance, recommending new introductions, development opportunities, repositioning or rationalisation.


  • Develop competitive pricing and margin strategies based on market conditions, supplier costs and competitor activity.


  • Coordinate contract acreage, seed production requirements and crop inspections to maintain quality and availability.


  • Procure additional forage seed requirements, balancing price, quality, supply and commercial return.


  • Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate competitive terms and actively manage supplier performance and risk


  • Take ownership of stock, forecasting and working capital, including aged, excess and slow-moving inventory.


  • Develop and implement the route-to-market strategy across retail, direct and wholesale channels.


  • Work with Stores and Sales teams to increase customer penetration, sales value, product mix and overall portfolio profitability.


  • Provide product information, technical support and training to strengthen the capability of Wynnstay's wider sales teams.


  • Use customer, market and performance data to support budgeting, forecasting and informed commercial decision-making.


  • Lead, coach and develop the forage seed product management team, establishing clear objectives and accountability.



  • Ensure all forage seed activity meets Wynnstay's governance, quality, sustainability, responsible-sourcing and regulatory requirements.


What we're looking for:



Essential



  • Strong commercial experience within forage seed, agricultural inputs, arable or a closely related market.


  • Strong technical understanding of forage seed products, varieties, markets and customer requirements.


  • Experience of managing product or category sales, margin, pricing and profitability.


  • Experience of procurement, supplier management and commercial negotiation.


  • Understanding agricultural production and supply considerations relevant to forage seed.


  • Experience in stock management, forecasting and working capital considerations.


  • Strong commercial and financial acumen.


  • Ability to interpret sales, financial and market information and translate this into clear commercial action.


  • Strong customer focus and understanding of agricultural routes to market.


  • Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-management capability.


  • Experience of leading, developing or coordinating colleagues.


Desirable



  • Experience within a multi-channel agricultural, retail, wholesale or distribution business.


  • Experience of contract seed production and crop inspection.



  • Experience developing wholesale or alternative routes to market.


  • Experience using data and technology to improve commercial performance.


  • Experience of developing new products, varieties or commercial propositions.


  • Understanding of the wider UK forage, grassland and livestock sectors.



Benefits:


  • Competitive salary


  • Employee Assistance Programme with BUPA


  • Company profit related pay scheme


  • Life Assurance x2 Salary


  • 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays


  • Employee discount at Wynnstay Stores


  • Opportunity to join a supportive, values-led organisation with a turnover of £613 million and over 900 colleagues nationwide



If you share our values and want to be part of a business that works together to support people, communities, and the future of farming, we welcome your application to Wynnstay Group. If you require reasonable assistance or for more information, please contact




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