Detail
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.
