At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in providing expert advice on plant health exports and passporting.
- Company: Join APHA, a key player in plant and bee health management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on plant health and international trade.
- Qualifications: Practical knowledge of plant exports and strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Plant Health Exports & Passporting Lead is responsible for providing technical advice, guidance and direction to colleagues within APHA, Defra, other UK government departments and devolved administrations. Managing a team of experts that deliver a technical service to the business, the role involves working across P&BH and policy teams day‑to‑day while contributing to the wider management of APHA and Plant and Bee Health.
The successful candidate must have practical knowledge of plant exports and plant passporting, be able to work independently and in teams, make key decisions, and respond to extremely tight deadlines. The role involves regular travel to APHA locations across GB and may require out‑of‑hours or detached duty work.
- Oversee the operational requirement for the export of goods, including monitoring international legislation to meet the trade of goods under plant health and horticultural marketing.
- Ensure appropriate working groups are advised on new aspects of trade agreements that may affect plant passporting or plant exports, maintaining alignment with the EU and support for exports to the rest of the world.
- Engage with, advise and provide data for fees and charges across plant passporting, plant health exports and other new, chargeable activities.
- Monitor and report on operational delivery, using analytical skills to assess data, identify issues and propose sound business decisions.
- Collaborate with IT project teams to develop agile systems that improve business processes.
- Provide training and monitor performance with operational teams.
- Lead APHA’s Technical Advice Panels (TAPs) covering export and plant passporting to keep internal and external advice up to date, and to provide staff training.
- Line‑manage staff.
- Liaise with Defra international, technical and policy teams, the Forestry Commission, devolved governments and Crown Dependencies on new or changed policy, fees and legislation across plant health.
- Engage with FERA Science on plant health matters.
- Identify and support management information for future work monitoring.
- Develop and lead continuous improvement and quality initiatives for exports, working with other APHA groups, to achieve and maintain ISO 17020 for plant health exports and plant passporting.
- Co‑develop training materials with technical leads and create ways to monitor learning outcomes.
- Produce, maintain and develop stakeholder content, including publishing APHA plant passporting updates to trade several times a year.
- Ensure appropriate dialogue for HMI marketing standards and export activities, including delivery of certificates of conformity for relevant controlled goods.
Disability Confident – a Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Plant Health Exports, HMI exports and Plant Passporting Technical Lead in Leicester employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
As a leading employer in the field of plant health and exports, APHA offers a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive training opportunities and support for career progression, ensuring our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located across Great Britain, our offices promote a culture of inclusivity and responsiveness, making APHA an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in public service.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Health Exports, HMI exports and Plant Passporting Technical Lead in Leicester
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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We think you need these skills to ace Plant Health Exports, HMI exports and Plant Passporting Technical Lead in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Animal & Plant Health Agency does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal & Plant Health Agency
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Animal & Plant Health Agency will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Animal & Plant Health Agency.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Animal & Plant Health Agency.
