Head of Commercial Operations – UK (Potatoes)
Right to work requirement: Must have Right to Work in the UK; this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.
Location: This role can be based anywhere in the UK (hybrid & field‑based).
Travel: UK and European travel required.
Salary & Benefits
* Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
* Flexible working approach with travel across key UK growing regions.
* Opportunity for international travel.
* Opportunity to build and lead a UK business within an established European organisation.
About the Company
Our client is a well‑established European potato breeding and seed business with a strong reputation for innovation and variety development. With operations across Europe, the company focuses on long‑term growth and expanding its presence within the UK market.
As part of this growth strategy, the business is strengthening its UK footprint, building on an existing customer base while introducing new and improved potato varieties to the market.
Job Role Details
In this role, you will take full ownership of UK activities, driving sales, developing key accounts, establishing supply chains, and building strong relationships across the potato value chain. This is a hands‑on leadership position, requiring a commercially driven individual who can operate strategically while remaining closely connected to customers, production, and market activity.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive sales of seed potato varieties across the UK market.
* Develop and manage relationships with growers, packers, processors, and key industry stakeholders.
* Identify and secure new commercial opportunities across seed production, multiplication, and end markets.
* Manage and grow existing customer accounts while building long‑term partnerships.
* Establish and develop UK operations, including infrastructure and supply chains.
* Coordinate logistics, planning, and market entry strategies.
* Organise and oversee UK variety trials in collaboration with growers.
* Provide technical support and insight on variety performance and positioning.
* Represent the business at industry events and within key networks.
* Act as the UK lead, providing market insight and contributing to long‑term strategy.
Essential Candidate Skills & Experience
* Strong commercial and sales background.
* Proven experience within the seed potato sector (breeding, multiplication, or trading).
* Established network within the potato supply chain.
* Strong understanding of variety performance and commercialisation.
* Excellent relationship‑building and negotiation skills.
* Ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on.
* Willingness to travel across the UK.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Knowledge of UK variety trials and agronomy.
* Experience of international seed potato markets.
* Exposure to European breeders or genetics companies.
Working Hours
Full‑time position with a flexible and autonomous working pattern, aligned to business needs and seasonal demands.
Candidate Requirements
Must hold NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.
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