For over 125 years, Centenary Thurles has served local farmers and communities in Ireland's agricultural heartland. As an agricultural co-operative society, Centenary Thurles is centred around its family farmers, who produce world-class, award-winning products enjoyed throughout Ireland and beyond. With a turnover exceeding €140 million, employing 120 directly as well as providing significant indirect employment, and assembling a milk pool of 185m litres per annum, Centenary Thurles is a key economic driver in the region. In addition to milk trading, the Co-op operates grain milling and animal feed businesses and produces and sells its own-brand liquid milk under the Tipperary Fresh and Thurles Fresh Milk brands. The Store Trading Division with eight branches, five of which trade under the Centenary Home and Garden Brand, generate close to €50m in annual revenue. The Co-op also has a significant investment portfolio generating an annual income of circa €1.5m.
Supported by a strong board, a highly engaged shareholder group, and a loyal customer base, Centenary Thurles continues to prosper and is now looking towards the next chapter in its history.
Due to the upcoming retirement of the current CEO in the latter half of 2026, an exceptional opportunity has arisen for a CEO Designate, who will assume broad leadership responsibilities across the business.
A key aspect of the role will be to bring strong organisational and management skills to lead the Co-op through this leadership transition, whilst also bringing fresh perspective and enterprise to build on the strong foundation already in place.
Whilst a background in agriculture or food trading is desirable, the board is open to candidates from other relevant sectors who can demonstrate the right blend of leadership and commercial trading experience. An appreciation of the shareholder and supplier relationships that underpin the society will be essential.
Other requirements include strategic vision, strong operational skills, financial acumen, experience reporting to a board, risk and governance management, excellent people and communication abilities, and an understanding of technology as it relates to the business.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead Centenary Thurles Co-Op—a society with significant history, heritage, and a strong financial base—through the next phase of its development.
For further details, please apply with a CV.