At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the UK commercial operations for a top potato breeding business.
- Company: Established European seed potato company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on leadership and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Build a commercial operation from scratch and shape the future of the UK potato market.
- Qualifications: Strong sales background and experience in the seed potato sector required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.
Location of the Job: This role can be based anywhere in the UK (hybrid & field-based). UK and European travel required.
Salary & Benefits Package: 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.
- Are you ready to take full ownership of a UK commercial operation and build it from the ground up within a leading European potato breeding business?
- Do you have the network, knowledge, and drive to grow seed potato sales and shape the future of variety adoption across the UK market?
- Are you a commercially minded potato professional looking to step into a strategic leadership role while staying close to customers, crops, and the supply chain?
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 is focused 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.
Head of Commercial Operations – The Job Role Details: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Commercial Operations to lead and develop the UK business. This is a rare opportunity to build a commercial operation from the ground up within a progressive and forward-thinking organisation. 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:
- 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.
How to Apply: Please click on the “apply now” button. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.
We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.
About Us: Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.
Head of Commercial Operations in Spalding employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs
Join a leading European potato breeding business that values innovation and long-term growth, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside a flexible working approach. With opportunities for international travel and the chance to build and lead a UK operation from the ground up, this role provides a unique platform for professional development in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Contact Details:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations 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 to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for the potato sector shine through. Share your ideas on how to drive sales and improve variety adoption – it shows you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re ready to make an impact!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Prepare to talk about your vision for the UK commercial operations. Think about how you would establish supply chains and grow customer accounts. This role is all about strategic thinking, so come armed with insights and ideas that demonstrate your understanding of the market.
✨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’re here to support you throughout the process, so take advantage of our resources and tips to help you land that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Operations in Spalding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Commercial Operations role. Highlight your experience in the seed potato sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Network:We want to see your connections! Mention any established relationships you have within the potato supply chain. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running and build strong partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this strategic leadership role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead and develop the UK business.
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural and Farming Jobs
✨Know Your Potatoes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seed potatoes, including the latest varieties and market trends. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales or developed relationships in the potato sector will show your expertise and passion for the industry.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role requires strong relationship-building skills, think about your existing network within the potato supply chain. Prepare to share how you've leveraged these connections in past roles to secure new opportunities or enhance customer relationships.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
This position is all about balancing hands-on leadership with strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed operations or developed market entry strategies in previous roles, and how you plan to apply that experience to build the UK business from the ground up.
✨Prepare for Questions on Logistics and Trials
Given the importance of logistics and variety trials in this role, anticipate questions around your experience in these areas. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any insights you can provide on trial management and performance evaluation.
