Herd Director – Greg O'Hanlon International Ltd

Company:

Our client, one of the leading dairy companies in the Middle East is looking for a Herd Director to join their team.

Opportunity:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Herd Director will lead the strategic development and operational management of the Herd function. This role is pivotal in aligning Herd management with the company’s short-term and long-term growth and profitability goals. The successful candidate will drive innovation, efficiency, and excellence within the Herd operations, achieving world-class standards through strategic alignment with internal departments and external partners.

Responsibilities:

• Business Strategy – Establish clear strategies and objectives for the Herd organization, including personnel, herd, milking, feeding, health, quality, and support services. Align strategies with business partners, departments, and suppliers. Influence company strategy and business plans, develop annual Business Plan and Herd Budget.
• Set Objectives – Develop annual Business Plans and Budgets to translate strategy into operational priorities for the Herd organization.
• Operations and Execution – Implement processes to achieve operational success and enhance Herd quality, health, and productivity. Source high-quality Herd, machinery, supplies, and technology.
• Technical Leadership – Oversee facility reviews and redesigns, and specify machinery, equipment, and materials for Herd operations and expansion.
• Commercial Leadership – Lead strategies to meet profitability targets and drive key projects for sustainability. Drive innovative business improvements and balance short-term/long-term priorities.
• People Leadership – Focus on talent retention, development, performance management, and succession planning. Deliver results, share and adopt new ideas, develop and inspire team members, and set a winning example.
• Innovation – Drive operational and system process innovation for current and future growth. Enable peak organizational performance and apply business acumen effectively.
• Consulting and Advice – Provide sound business advice and solve business problems through consulting. Manage projects to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion.
• Success Criteria – Achieve Key Results Areas (KRAs) as agreed with the COO, meet financial goals, and enhance Herd productivity, including milk quality, production, reproductive performance, health, and cost optimization.

Candidate Requirements:

• Diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science/Agriculture; PhD/Master’s preferred; (essential knowledge in Herd/Milk/Herd Health/Herd Reproductive and Stock Management).
• 10-15 years in the dairy industry, with at least 8 years in a senior executive role managing large operations (25,000+ cows, heifers, and bulls).
• Extensive technical knowledge of dairy/farm machinery and equipment.
• Strong analytical skills for effective Herd management.
• Proficient in using statistical and financial data with intuition and judgment.
• Skilled in evaluating situations from multiple perspectives and assessing operational impacts.
• Knowledge of commercial and regulatory laws affecting the dairy industry in KSA and GCC countries.

Remuneration:

Salary and overall package are competitive, and the finer details will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sesil Dimitrova at [email protected] or feel free to text or call Greg O’Hanlon, for further detail. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and relevant experience.

Job Details

Preferred Candidate