Fuelled by Ambition....Emma Nelson

We caught up with one of our committee members and an amazing advocate for achieving a successful career in the meat industry, Emma Nelson, Senior Commercial Manager at Morrisons. As part of our campaign 'Fuelled by Ambition' we're sharing the stories of our community and asking them to define ambition in their own terms, as well as give us as insights into their career journeys so far.

Please share your current role with us and tell us more about your career journey so far. 

Growing up on an organic beef farm in Hillsborough, Co. Down, I developed a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. While completing an MSc in Agriculture at Queen's University Belfast, I gained invaluable experience during a placement with an agri-food business, where I later joined their graduate programme. While working in agricultural development and customer management, I completed a part-time master’s degree in business, expanding my technical and strategic skill set.

I later transitioned into commercial and operational improvement roles, broadening my expertise across the industry. In 2023, I joined Morrisons Manufacturing (Myton Food Group) as Senior Livestock Buying Manager, overseeing sourcing, sustainability, and welfare.

Recently, I moved to the commercial side of the business, managing customer accounts in meat, blending efficiencies and customer focus to grow our market share. From farm life to corporate strategy, my journey reflects the diverse opportunities in the agri-food sector, and I’m excited to continue driving innovation and sustainability within the industry.

What would you say your top strength or superpower is and how has it helped you in your role? 

My superpower is growing relationships and problem solving - 2 crucial elements in the industry! 

Tell us about one of the biggest challenges to date in you career and one key learning you took from it? 

My biggest challenge so far has been ensuring I utilise the people around me, preventing myself from being a 'bottleneck' to progression. 

Who do you look to as a role model and why? 

My parents have been incredible role models throughout my career. My father, first-generation on our farm in Hillsborough, built a successful business through passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic—while always finding time to enjoy the journey. My mother balanced working alongside him while raising four lively children, later completing a degree and now holding a senior management position. Their example shows there’s no single path to success, just the drive to pursue it.

Our campaign this year is called ‘Fuelled By Ambition’ where we'll celebrate everyone's ambitions, no matter how big or small they are. What does ambition look like to you? 

What would an ambitious future for the meat industry look like?

 An ambitious future for the meat industry would strike a balance between diversity, innovation, sustainability, and consumer needs.

Quickfire questions 

What’s your favourite cuisine? Hmm.. Anywhere with a good steak & an open bottle of rioja, surrounded by friends

Favourite pastime or hobby? I have a mare called Willow & we're taking a year off riding in preparation for her first foal! 

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be? Supporting NI - Foy Vance - Closed hand, full of friends

Favourite holiday destination? As long as there is snow & mountains, I'm there!