At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crop trials and validate innovative agricultural technologies for real-world impact.
- Company: Join a government-funded organisation driving innovation in agriculture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future farming systems.
- Other info: Opportunity for meaningful work with long-term impact in the sector.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in agriculture while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in crop production, trials, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced crop trials professional looking for a role with real sector impact? A government-funded public private organisation is looking for a commercially minded Trials & Validation Lead to take ownership of crop testing activity within its Test, Trial & Demonstration function. The organisation works closely with innovative businesses, growers and research partners to help new technologies move from concept into commercial agriculture. This is a practical leadership role with real impact in the sector.
You will plan and oversee crop trials from design through to delivery. Each trial must be specifically designed to test the product or practice in question. You will ensure data is robust, commercially relevant and useful to growers and agri-tech businesses alike. The organisation is built around strong values including integrity, accountability, innovation, collaboration and real-world impact.
The Role
This role sits between innovation and adoption. Good ideas only matter if they work in the field. This requires good evidence of success which is produced by accurate trials, consistent protocols, reliable data and practical outcomes. You will lead crop trials across a range of farming systems and environments. This will include work around:
- Soil nutrition and soil health
- Precision farming technology
- Biological products and crop inputs
- Sustainable growing systems
- Water management
- Crop resilience and yield improvement
The focus is trial quality, relevant evidence, commercial outcomes and farmer confidence.
Responsibilities:
- Lead crop trial and validation activity across the organisation
- Manage Trials & Validation Coordinators and support team development
- Act as the key contact for agri-tech businesses, growers and supply chain partners
- Ensure trials are scientifically robust and commercially representative
- Coordinate field trial sites across varying soil types and growing conditions
- Maintain high standards in protocols, data quality and reporting
- Ensure trials reflect real farming environments and commercial practice
- Oversee delivery against timelines, budgets and programme KPIs
- Develop and improve crop trial platforms and testbed capability
- Support trials linked to soil nutrition, crop establishment and sustainable production systems
- Build relationships with growers, agronomists and early adopters
- Work closely with internal teams, research partners and external stakeholders
- Produce clear reporting for leadership teams, boards and funding bodies
- Drive continuous improvement across trial systems and delivery standards
You Will Bring:
- Strong technical experience within crop production systems
- A background in trials, validation or applied agricultural R&D
- Experience managing people and coordinating delivery through teams
- Knowledge of crop agronomy and soil management principles
- Experience working across multiple trial sites and programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- The ability to assess data critically and communicate findings clearly
- A practical and delivery-focused mindset
- A degree in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy or a related subject, or equivalent industry experience
- A full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience with precision agriculture technology
- Knowledge of regenerative farming or soil health systems
- Experience working alongside data or modelling teams
- Exposure to government, research or industry bodies
- Project management experience
The Opportunity
This is an important position within the Test, Trial & Demonstration team. You will influence how crop technologies are tested, validated and proven before commercial adoption. Your work will help shape future farming systems across UK agriculture. For the right person, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful work with long term impact across the sector.
To apply: For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Rupert Kettle on: Office or e-mail your CV and covering letter to De Lacy Executive Recruitment.
Trial & Validation Lead - Crop in Olney employer: De Lacy Executive
Join a forward-thinking public-private organisation that prioritises integrity, innovation, and collaboration in the agricultural sector. As a Trial & Validation Lead, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your expertise while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on real-world impact, this role allows you to lead meaningful projects that shape the future of farming systems across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trial & Validation Lead - Crop in Olney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the agri-tech sector, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past crop trials and validation experiences in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one offering this role. Express your interest and ask about upcoming opportunities – it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Trial & Validation Lead - Crop in Olney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, and understanding these will help you tailor your CV and cover letter to match our needs.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When you’re putting together your CV, highlight your experience in crop trials and validation. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise:In your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured letter that gets straight to the heart of why you’re a great fit for the Trials & Validation Lead position. Avoid fluff and focus on your key achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, your application goes directly to us, and you can be sure it’s in the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at De Lacy Executive
✨Know Your Trials Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of crop trials and validation processes. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies in precision farming and sustainable growing systems, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and coordinating projects. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed trials or agricultural R&D projects in the past.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Questions
Expect questions about how you would engage with agri-tech businesses, growers, and supply chain partners. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships and how you ensured that trials were scientifically robust and commercially relevant.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Be ready to talk about your experience with data analysis and reporting. Highlight how you've assessed data critically in previous roles and how you communicated findings clearly to stakeholders, ensuring they understood the implications for crop production.
