Head of Manufacturing – Feed

Head of Manufacturing – Feed – Llansantffraid (Powys, SY22 6AQ)Are you a strategic and hands-on manufacturing leader with deep expertise in UK feed production? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where safety, quality, and performance go hand-in-hand? Wynnstay Group Plc, a leading UK agricultural supplies business, is seeking a dynamic Head of Manufacturing – Feed to shape and lead our feed manufacturing governance across our own mill sites and third-party suppliers.This pivotal senior leadership role will oversee all aspects of feed manufacturing, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, product quality, and operational performance. You will be responsible for embedding an operational excellence framework across our manufacturing footprint, driving continuous improvement, and leading a culture of employee engagement, craft skills development, and customer service.The Opportunity:Reporting to the Group Manufacturing and Logistics Director, your main responsibilities will include:Manufacturing Strategy, Governance & RiskDeveloping and overseeing manufacturing standards frameworks to safeguard people, product quality and customer service.Owning and maintaining the craft skills development of mill employees, ensuring resilience and continuity.Managing safety risk and liability.Setting and reporting on clear manufacturing performance KPIs.Providing senior leadership with insight into manufacturing performance, compliance, risks, and innovation/capex opportunities.Group-Wide Manufacturing Control & Quality Consistency Leading a robust end-to-end manufacturing control framework, ensuring feed and Agri-product quality.Implementing clear standard operating procedures and conformance protocols.Addressing inconsistencies in performance and establishing manufacturing standards.Developing and managing a responsive, transparent route cause analysis process.Manufacturing Value Optimisation Overseeing the development, approval, and ongoing optimisation of feed manufacturing.Working closely with other functions to maximise value from the manufacturing standards.Ensuring finished goods meet species-specific performance targets, customer expectations, and animal health standards.Leading manufacturing to provide technical input into bespoke or value-added feed solutions.Manufacturing Oversight – Internal & Third-Party Ensuring consistent application of QA/QC, QMS and HSE systems across all production facilities.Driving continuous improvement in data accuracy through developing and enhancing integrated systems.Ensuring accreditation and compliance across feed manufacturing sites with UKAS, FEMAS, ISO, and customer standards.Representing the business in technical audits.Leading manufacturing standards groups.Creating and adding value Leading budget and forecasting to deliver solutions that meet the business strategyManaging department budgets, optimising resource allocation and minimising waste. Collaborating with other functions to streamline operations and improve product delivery. Ensuring timely delivery of Site Improvement Plans.Leadership, Culture & Capability BuildingLeading the multi-site feed manufacturing team, embedding a culture of ownership, safety, quality, and customer service.Coaching and developing manufacturing managers and site employees Providing internal training and guidance to operational teamsThe Person:Key Skills & Attributes:Strong leadership with a collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving and value-added solutions.Deep understanding of feed manufacturing frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO, FEMAS, UKAS).Proven ability to drive craft skills and governance across complex, multi-site operations.Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.Experience in agricultural, feed, or manufacturing industries is highly desirable.Qualifications and Experience:Degree in a relevant manufacturing or engineering discipline (e.g., Agriculture, Food Manufacturing, or Engineering).Minimum 10 years in manufacturing leadership roles, ideally within agriculture, food, or manufacturing.Demonstrable experience leading teams and implementing manufacturing standards and craft skills at a senior level.In addition to a competitive salary you will receive:Profit related annual bonusEmployee discount at Wynnstay Stores33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidaysEmployee Assistant Programs – WeCare/MyStrength/ToothfairySave As You Earn schemesCompany VehicleFree on-site parkingWith a turnover in excess of £613 million, and more than 900 valued colleagues Nationally, 107 years of successful operations have laid the foundations for Wynnstay’s core values concept of THRIVE:      Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value creation, Environmental Sustainability.To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to or send a paper copy to Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ.

Created: 2025-07-24