Get To Know The Team - Catherine

Hi, I’m Catherine, the Business and Development Manager at Doherty Group! 

My Role 

I have been with the company just over a year and what an adventure it has been so far!

As Business Development Manager, my primary responsibility is to drive growth across the business. To do this, I spent my first few months getting to know our customers by travelling to every corner of Ireland to meet with our distributors. I wanted to understand exactly what was happening on the ground.

What were people saying about our products? Who were our main competitors? What feedback were farmers giving us? Was our pricing competitive? How could we improve our service and lead times?

Gathering this information gave me a solid understanding of the market and allowed me to make informed decisions on how we could structure our customer portfolio, strengthen existing relationships, and identify opportunities to bring our products into new markets.

A typical working week 

No two weeks are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.

A typical week involves working closely with our sales team, who are on the ground speaking directly with distributors and customers. They keep me up to date with customer feedback, market trends, competitor activity, and how our pricing is positioned in the marketplace. This daily insight helps me make wider strategic decisions and guide the direction of the business.

I also work closely with our transport, marketing, and accounts teams. Every department plays a crucial role in delivering an excellent customer experience and customer satisfaction remains at the heart of everything we do.

When I'm not in the office, you'll often find me attending agricultural events and open days, where I get the opportunity to speak directly with farmers and understand their needs. I also meet regularly with our key accounts to ensure we continue to build and strengthen those important relationships.

My Career journey and why I joined Doherty Group

Before Doherty Group, I completed a degree in Finance and spent four years in an investment bank so I can see why a lot of people ask, ‘how did you end up in Doherty Group’?

I always felt there was something missing. While I enjoyed the challenges of banking, I didn’t have a genuine passion for the industry. 

Agriculture, however, was different. Through my part-time work with Dale Farm Ltd over ten years, I gained a real appreciation for the vital role farmers play in our society and the significant contribution they make every day. That experience sparked an interest that continued to grow throughout my career.

Joining Doherty Group gave me the opportunity to work in an industry I genuinely care about. It allows me to work closely with farmers across the dairy, poultry, and equine sectors, helping provide products that improve animal comfort, welfare, and productivity. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that the work we do has a positive impact on both farmers and their animals.

Developing People and building teams

One of the most rewarding experiences over the past year has been building and developing our sales team.

I've had the opportunity to recruit new team members and support them as they begin their journey within the business. Watching people grow in confidence, develop their understanding of our products and customers, and ultimately succeed in their roles is a privilege.

I believe in giving people the support and respect they need while also creating the space for them to grow and flourish in their own way. Seeing others reach their potential is something I find incredibly fulfilling and is one of the aspects of leadership I enjoy most.

Career Advice 

It is never too late to take a chance on the path you really want to follow.

That change might not happen today or tomorrow, but you can start taking small steps now that move you closer to where you want to be. Every opportunity, experience, and challenge can become a stepping stone towards a career where you can be your best self.

Don't be afraid to pivot if something no longer feels right. Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities lie on the other side of the decision you are hesitant to make.

Take the chance, trust the process, and back yourself.