At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK commercial operations for innovative potato breeding and seed business.
- Company: Established European company with a strong reputation in potato variety development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for travel and growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the agricultural sector while building key relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong sales background and experience in the seed potato sector required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Head Of Commercial Operations - UK (Potatoes) in Spalding employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency
As a leading European potato breeding and seed business, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead a UK business while collaborating with key industry stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on professional development and international travel, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector.
Contact Details:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Commercial Operations - UK (Potatoes) in Spalding
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the potato industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry folks, let your enthusiasm for potatoes shine through! Share your ideas on how to drive sales and improve variety performance. They want to see that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about the industry.
✨Be Ready to Talk Strategy
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the role. Think about how you would establish supply chains and grow customer accounts. Being able to articulate your approach will show that you’re not just hands-on but also a big-picture thinker.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Commercial Operations - UK (Potatoes) in Spalding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial Operations role. Highlight your experience in the seed potato sector and any relevant commercial achievements. We want to see how you can drive sales and build relationships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the potato industry and how your skills align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Network:Don’t forget to mention your established network within the potato supply chain. We love seeing candidates who can leverage their connections to drive success in the UK market!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency
✨Know Your Potatoes!
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seed potato varieties and their performance. Understand the current market trends and be ready to discuss how you can drive sales and develop key accounts in the UK.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Leverage your existing network within the potato supply chain. If possible, reach out to industry contacts before the interview to gather insights about the company and its operations. This will show your proactive approach and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Leadership Style
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to operate both strategically and hands-on. Discuss past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships with growers, packers, and processors, highlighting your negotiation skills.
✨Be Ready to Talk Logistics
Since this role involves coordinating logistics and planning, come prepared with ideas on how you would establish and develop UK operations. Think about supply chains and market entry strategies that could benefit the company.
