Case study
First Milk – Technology Director
Technology Director
Opportunity
While First Milk had strong foundations in place, the technology function had been focussed on maintenance rather than development. As the business progressed through infrastructure upgrades and acquisitions, there was a clear need for a more focused Technology strategy and stronger integration within the wider, centralised operating plan. Reporting to the CEO, the role was designed to reposition technology as a more visible and strategic function within the organisation. Key priorities included strengthening technology’s presence across the business, improving system integration, and embedding a more data-led approach to decision making. Cultural fit was critical, with a need for a leader capable of rebuilding confidence, energising the team, and operating effectively at both site and executive level.
We were delighted to once again partner with Eden. Their approach to this role, which was very different to previous searches, was well aligned to our requirements and their invaluable insights helped us truly shape what we were looking for. We were impressed with the high-quality calibre of candidate, as well as Eden’s continued cultural alignment with our requirements.
Rhona McGuinness
HR Director
Our approach
Eden worked closely with First Milk’s Executive team to develop a clearly defined brief, centred on identifying a leader capable of driving both cultural and functional change across the organisation. The search targeted Technology and IT Directors with proven experience of transformation in complex, multi-site environments, ideally within agriculture, food production or related sectors. Alongside technical capability, significant emphasis was placed on leadership style and ensuring a strong cultural alignment with First Milk. Eden conducted a targeted search, engaging with a broad range of candidates. Each candidate was assessed on their ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, while building credibility across the wider business.
The results
The search produced a high-quality shortlist of four candidates, each bringing relevant experience in technology leadership and transformation. Following a structured interview process, First Milk appointed a Technology Director with a proven track record of leading change in complex, multi-site businesses alongside an affinity with agriculture. The successful candidate demonstrated the ability to combine strategic direction balanced with practical delivery and showcased a leadership style aligned to First Milk’s culture. The appointment positions the business to strengthen its technology capability, enhance integration across operations, and unlock greater value from its data.