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- Tasks: Lead and develop the UK commercial operations for a top potato breeding business.
- Company: Established European potato breeding company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Build a commercial operation from scratch and shape the future of the potato market.
- Qualifications: Strong sales background in the seed potato sector and excellent relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to make a real impact in agriculture.
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: UK - ideally Lincolnshire / Scottish Borders (hybrid & field-based)
Salary & Benefits Package: £60,000 - £80,000 (negotiable depending on 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 - UK (Potatoes) in Spalding employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs
Contact Detail:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations - UK (Potatoes) in Spalding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out to companies you admire. A friendly email or LinkedIn message can show your interest and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its market position. Knowing their products and challenges will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make an impact in the agricultural sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Operations - UK (Potatoes) 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 how it aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can drive sales and build relationships!
Showcase Your Network: Don’t forget to mention your established network within the potato supply chain. This is key for us, as building strong relationships is a big part of the role. Let us know who you know and how you can leverage those connections!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. We want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 potato varieties and their performance. Understand the current market trends and be ready to discuss how you can drive sales and develop relationships within the potato supply chain.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your established connections within the potato industry during the interview. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've leveraged these relationships to secure new opportunities or grow existing accounts.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on involvement. Prepare to discuss your approach to building a commercial operation from the ground up, including logistics, market entry strategies, and how you plan to establish strong supply chains.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Leadership
As a potential leader, you'll need to show your ability to manage teams and projects effectively. Think about past experiences where you've led initiatives or teams, and be ready to explain your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's goals.