About the OpportunityThe Research & Development Test Plot Farm Manager is a people-first leader responsible for building, developing, and leading a high-performing, technically skilled research farm team. This role drives excellence by aligning team capabilities, priorities, and execution with Driscoll’s innovation strategy, ensuring the successful delivery of experimental farming and research trials.Partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders, the Manager establishes a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence, enabling teams to consistently generate high-quality data, implement best-in-class agronomic practices, and deliver strong outcomes for breeding and applied research programs.This leader plays a critical role in talent development, succession planning, and organizational capability building, ensuring the research farm teams are equipped to scale and support the enterprise’s long-term innovation goals. Through strong leadership, strategic execution, and team engagement, this position enables the full expression of new genetic material and maximizes enterprise value.Goal of the Position / Key Results AreasBuild, lead, and develop a high-performing, engaged research farm team that consistently delivers high-quality trial execution and data.Enable team success by fostering strong technical capability, ownership, and accountability across all levels.Translate innovation strategy into clear team priorities and execution plans that maximize the potential of proprietary genetics.Strengthen organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and continuous improvement.Ensure research farms serve as a center of excellence, influencing commercial practices and grower adoption.ResponsibilitiesPeople Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, and mentor a team of research farm professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvementBuild team capability by developing technical expertise, leadership skills, and career growth pathwaysDrive succession planning and talent pipeline development for key operational and leadership rolesEstablish clear goals, provide ongoing feedback, and conduct performance management, evaluations, and development planningCreate an inclusive and motivating work environment that reflects Driscoll’s values of passion, humility, and trustworthinessTeam Execution & Operational ExcellenceAlign team priorities with cross-functional partners (Breeding, Agronomy, Applied Research) to ensure seamless execution of trials and initiativesEnsure teams consistently execute against best-in-class agronomic and research practicesDevelop systems and processes that enable teams to efficiently manage labor, resources, and equipmentChampion a culture of data integrity, accountability, and operational disciplineStrategic Leadership & Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with key stakeholders to translate strategy into clear, actionable plans for the research farm teamsInfluence enterprise decisions by ensuring teams deliver reliable, high-quality data and insightsLead the adoption of innovative practices, technologies, and process improvements across research farmsEngage with external stakeholders, including growers, to demonstrate and scale successful practicesOperational Oversight & GovernanceProvide leadership oversight of farm operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and adherence to company policiesGuide teams in maintaining accurate records, plant material tracking, and treatment documentationEnsure effective budget management through team accountability and resource prioritizationOversee equipment management, safety programs, and facility standards through delegated team ownershipCandidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a strong people leader with deep technical credibility, capable of building and scaling high-performing teams in a research-driven agricultural environment.Experience & KnowledgeBachelor’s degree (8+ years experience) or Master’s degree (5+ years experience) in Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, or related fieldDemonstrated success leading teams in agricultural, research, or operational environmentsExperience in people management, coaching, and organizational developmentStrong foundation in agronomy, plant physiology, and crop production systemsExperience with budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planningProject management and process improvement experienceFamiliarity with agricultural research and trial execution preferredBerry/soft fruit production experience is highly desirableCore Leadership CompetenciesPeople Leadership & Talent Development – Builds strong teams, develops future leaders, and fosters engagementCommunication & Influence – Clearly aligns teams and effectively partners across the organizationPerformance Management – Drives accountability, execution, and resultsStrategic Thinking – Connects day-to-day work to enterprise goalsOperational Excellence – Implements scalable processes and continuous improvementInnovation Mindset – Encourages experimentation and adoption of new technologiesCollaboration & Team Building – Creates alignment across functions and stakeholdersCompensation & Benefits:The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.Salary Range estimated for the Test Plot Manager: $45,000 to $60,000 GBP.Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes, amongst others:Health + Time OffWe care for the whole you. Strong health benefits and meaningful paid time off so you can focus on what matters most.Financial + WellbeingPlan your future with employer supported annual profit-sharing bonus, retirement or savings programs and wellbeing resources supported annually.Community + BalanceJoin a team that invests in your wellbeing and gives you time to give back.Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Life can get complicated and when it does, we offer extra help with our EAP.Professional GrowthDriscoll's offers employees at all levels opportunities to acquire business, job-based, and leadership skills. It's a win-win combination.Note: Benefits and eligibility vary by location/role. Additional country-specific benefit information is currently being developed in our career site; details are provided during the application process.#LI-LM1
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