Aaron McKenna is Head of Customer Support for Agriculture with Moy Park. He talks to nijobfinder about his career to date and how his role has had to evolve recently due to COVID-19.
Here is how he became a Head of Customer Support at Moy Park.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I’m from an agricultural background and grew up on the family farm which I’m still involved in. I joined Moy Park in 2013 as a graduate trainee and worked my way up, progressing to agriculture compliance manager and then a customer agriculture manager in 2017. In my current role I lead and co-ordinate the agriculture strategy with our customer base, with the support of other agriculture colleagues on areas ranging from animal welfare and health to sustainable agriculture.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I always loved biology and it was a subject that came naturally to me.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Following on from my interests in school, I went to Queen’s University, Belfast in 2010 and studied zoology. This largely consisted of biological sciences as well as modules on farm and animal welfare, helpful given my current role! These learnings were undoubtedly beneficial in securing a position with Moy Park and stood me in good stead.
How did you get into your area of work?
I have always been passionate about agriculture and agri-food and this stems from my upbringing on a small dairy farm in Ballygawley. I’ve now a great interest in the commercial aspect which is a big part of my role. Looking back, I’m glad I followed my instincts and studied the subjects I was genuinely passionately interested in.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Growing up I always wanted to be a vet. My current role requires a few minutes to explain what exactly it is I do – my fiancée just tells people I talk about chickens for a living! Although I’m very happy in my job, I can’t say it was the career I had in mind when I was younger. It was my education and transferrable skills that directed my career path.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Any level of experience is always valuable, no matter what career route you choose, as is a willingness to learn and ask lots of questions. I had previously undertaken work experience in veterinary practices, which provided a good grasp and understanding of animal welfare, in addition to technical knowledge combined with my existing experience of working on a farm.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
As well as Graduate Management Trainee programmes, there are various training and recruitment programmes offered by companies like Moy Park including apprenticeships and placement opportunities. We offer a programme that runs right across the organisation including agriculture, food manufacturing, engineering and food science. This promotes team building, shared learning and experiential development activities within a relaxed and fun environment and really helps to grasp the scale of the company’s operations at first hand.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Being able to communicate effectively is essential for me as I am dealing with our customers on a daily basis. Other important key skills are time management and prioritisation. Despite my role being quite niche, enthusiasm and passion for agriculture is also advantageous.
What does a typical day entail?
Pre-Covid lockdown I would have travelled most weeks, particularly to Great Britain for retailer meetings and to visit our farms and Moy Park sites in Ashbourne and Anwick. At the moment the majority of my meetings are held remotely using Teams or Zoom. Discussions can range on a daily basis from ensuring compliance with our customer requirements through to developing our strategy for sustainable farming and anything chicken related in between.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
Our customers expect the highest quality of product and services and being able to meet and exceed their requirements is what drives me. In what is a competitive marketplace, we need to be able to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of customers. It can be a bit pressurised at times, but we have some of the brightest minds in agri-food working in the business which helps us to maintain our position at the forefront of the industry. Agriculture is a key point of difference for Moy Park and I am privileged it’s my job to speak about it each day. I suppose we can’t talk challenges and not mention the current pandemic it a big challenge for everyone and Agriculture is no different. From farm gate, right through the supply chain, we continue to go to work each day and produce healthy food for the nation.
Why is what you do important?
My role allows me to promote the industry and champion our teams and farmers. The agri-food industry is vital to the Northern Ireland economy and farming is at the heart of our business.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Surround yourself with great people and avail of support, development and learning opportunities that come from working with more experienced colleagues.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I flirted with journalism at one stage and even applied to do a Master’s in it after my undergrad. Although I don’t think I would stray too far from Agriculture, so maybe a job combining the two such as writing for the Irish Farmers’ Journal.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Be patient. Most people graduate or leave college all guns blazing, eager to start the world of work but it takes time to find your feet and settle into a role or company, Also don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Describe your ideal day off.
Heading out for the day with my fiancée and getting a spot of lunch somewhere, before squeezing in some time to watch a bit of sport and maybe just have time to check in on the cows on the way home!
And finally, what is the key to any successful job search?
Don’t be too narrow-minded and be open to changing your career path.
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