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:
* Planning, managing and delivering a comprehensive crop trials programme
* Evaluating trial results and making evidence-based recommendations on variety advancement
* Acting as a technical point of contact between breeders, product teams and the market
* Managing minor crops within the category, including customer interaction and sales administration
* Supporting commercial activities through market intelligence, stakeholder engagement and promotional input
* Design and execute crop trials in collaboration with crop managers, breeders and product managers
* Oversee trial establishment, husbandry and assessment, either directly or via colleagues and third-party partners
* Analyse and report trial data using agreed protocols and digital tools
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry growing practices, specifications and competitor varieties
* Manage trial sample logistics, budgets and administration
* Build strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and internal teams
* 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:
* A relevant degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, marketing or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
* At least three years’ experience in a commercial and/or research and development environment
* Proven experience in trials management and variety evaluation
* Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
* Confidence working independently and cross-functionally in an international context
* Competence with CRM systems and digital tools
* Willingness to travel regularly, including overnight stays
Personal Attributes
* Proactive, high-energy and results-driven
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
* Customer-focused with the ability to build trusted relationships
* Commercially aware with a continuous improvement mindset
* 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.
For a confidential chat about this vacancy or any others, please give Ian Reed a call or get your application in without delay via. this website quoting ref: 6020IR