Crop Category Technologist (Trials Officer)
An established organisation within the UK horticultural and vegetable seed sector is seeking a Crop Category Technologist (Trials Officer) to join its commercial team. This role plays a key part in the research, development and advancement of crop varieties, while also supporting commercial and market-facing activities.
The Role
The Crop Category Technologist takes ownership of the research and development trials programme for an assigned crop category on a national basis. Working closely with crop managers, breeders, product managers and customers, the role bridges technical crop expertise with commercial insight.
Key areas of responsibility include:
1. Planning, managing and delivering a comprehensive crop trials programme
2. Evaluating trial results and making evidence-based recommendations on variety advancement
3. Acting as a technical point of contact between breeders, product teams and the market
4. Managing minor crops within the category, including customer interaction and sales administration
5. Supporting commercial activities through market intelligence, stakeholder engagement and promotional input
6. Design and execute crop trials in collaboration with crop managers, breeders and product managers
7. Oversee trial establishment, husbandry and assessment, either directly or via colleagues and third-party partners
8. Analyse and report trial data using agreed protocols and digital tools
9. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry growing practices, specifications and competitor varieties
10. Manage trial sample logistics, budgets and administration
11. Build strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and internal teams
12. Contribute to promotional materials, open days and industry events
About the Candidate
The successful candidate will be a motivated and organised professional with strong technical knowledge of the vegetable or produce sector, particularly within a defined crop specialism.
Essential requirements include:
13. A relevant degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, marketing or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
14. At least three years’ experience in a commercial and/or research and development environment
15. Proven experience in trials management and variety evaluation
16. Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
17. Confidence working independently and cross-functionally in an international context
18. Competence with CRM systems and digital tools
19. Willingness to travel regularly, including overnight stays
Personal Attributes
20. Proactive, high-energy and results-driven
21. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
22. Customer-focused with the ability to build trusted relationships
23. Commercially aware with a continuous improvement mindset
24. Ambitious, adaptable and collaborative
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled professional to play a visible and influential role in crop development, variety advancement and market engagement within a forward-thinking organisation.