Area Manager – South West England​/Wales

We are looking for an engaging and commercially minded Area Manager to join our Membership team on a fixed-term basis, providing maternity cover.

As the external face of First Milk within your geographical area, you will build trusted relationships with our farmer members, prospective members and industry stakeholders. You will help our members deliver high-quality milk, strengthen their businesses and achieve the best possible returns, with a particular focus on regenerative farming.

This is a varied and influential role for someone who understands agriculture, enjoys working directly with farmers and can confidently promote the benefits of being part of the First Milk family.

As an Area Manager, you will be the external face of First Milk, liaising with members and stakeholders in dealing with complex issues. Additionally, you will:

• Retain members through ensuring all their administrative and communication needs are met.
• Increase milk volumes from existing members by improving member confidence
• Recruit new milk volumes, through either membership or direct supply
• Work with Farmers to create regen farming plans, listen to their needs and signpost regen farming initiatives.
• Perform Farm business, Regenerative Farming or similar reviews, on all member farms within agreed timescales
• In conjunction with the office team, build up and maintain a database of non-member dairy farmers within the region
• Manage levels of resignations and rescindments
• Communicate and action results from member surveys and promote the benefits of First Milk to our members

To be considered as our Area Manager, you will need to have:

• Farming or Agricultural Background:
  Ideally, you will have a strong understanding of farming practices, particularly regenerative agriculture. A background in dairy farming is highly desirable.
• Sales and Commercial Expertise:
  Proven sales skills and a commercial focus, with the ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade effectively.
• Strong Communication and Relationship Building:
  Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with farmers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving:
  Able to deal with complex issues, providing practical solutions and supporting members through challenging situations.
• Recruitment & Retention Focus:
  Experience in delivering successful recruitment and retention strategies, particularly in agricultural or cooperative settings.
• Negotiation and Influencing:
  Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with farmers and stakeholders, influencing positive outcomes for the cooperative and its members.
• Proactive and Organised: A self-starter who can proactively plan and execute strategies, with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

At First Milk, you’ll be joining a business with a clear purpose: to make dairy work for good.

As a farmer-owned co-operative and certified B Corp, we’re committed to creating a sustainable future while producing great dairy products. You’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact, work with talented colleagues and contribute to a business that’s leading the way in regenerative dairy

• Competitive salary & Bonus;
• 34 days holiday per year (incl. public holidays)
• Additional Holiday purchase scheme (up to 5 days);
• Colleague Discounts Platform.

We are a certified B Corp who welcome applications from everyone.