At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead livestock trials, ensuring robust design and execution for impactful results.
- Company: Government-funded organisation driving innovation in the livestock sector.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape industry standards and influence real-world agricultural outcomes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on quality and relevance in agricultural technology.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on livestock innovation and support agri-tech businesses.
- Qualifications: Experience in livestock trials and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about bringing innovation to the commercial livestock sector? A government-funded national organisation is looking for a Trials & Validation Lead to take ownership over all livestock testing activity within its Test, Trial & Demonstration function. The right candidate will have strong experience in Livestock Trials - either Beef, Sheep, Dairy, Pig or Poultry. If you are fanatical about livestock innovation, this could be the role for you.
Purpose
The purpose is two-fold: to ensure livestock trials are designed, platformed and executed to the most robust standards, aiming to produce highly accurate data. But you also genuinely support these agri-tech businesses by focusing on discovering the key facts around the tech or system which are relevant to its implementation. The right candidate will know how to construct both robust and relevant trials, to test the direct uses of the product, ensuring consistency in protocols and data quality. Innovation in livestock systems only succeeds if it is tried and tested with real scenarios. This role sits at the critical point between development and adoption, ensuring technologies are tested properly. The evidence credible, and outcomes are meaningful to farmers, supply chains and investors. This is not about trial quantity. It is about trial quality, relevance, and impact.
Responsibilities
- Lead all livestock trial and validation activity
- Line manage Trials & Validation Coordinators within individual sector, supporting delivery and development
- Drive continuous improvement standards within technical teams under report
- Act as the key contact point for agri-tech businesses, farmers and supply chain partners
- Represent livestock trials activity internally and externally
- Ensure trials are well designed, robust and commercially representative
- Oversee delivery to ensure timelines, budgets and programme KPIs are met
- Maintain high standards in data quality, protocols and evidence generation
- Ensure testing reflects real operating environments and commercial conditions
- Develop and enhance livestock testbed and trial capability
- Improve frameworks, processes and systems for consistent delivery
- Support the evolution of how trials are conducted across the organisation
- Align trial activity with agri-tech business objectives and programme outcomes
- Ensure trials demonstrate ROI, performance and real-world advantage
- Support business growth by generating relevant evidence
- Build relationships with early adopters, farmers and value chain partners
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver successful programmes
- Provide clear, high-quality reporting to leadership, boards and funding bodies
You are ensuring all trials in the livestock sector are done properly, sitting between strategy and execution. You will translate direction into high-quality delivery. Your work directly influences whether technologies are adopted at scale.
You will bring:
- Extensive technical experience within livestock systems
- Proven leadership within trials, validation or applied R&D environments
- Experience managing highly professional teams of technical people
- Strong track record of running livestock trials in real-world environments
- Programme or multi-project delivery experience with multiple stakeholders
- Strong understanding of animal health, welfare and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to critically assess data, identify gaps and communicate limitations
- Commercial awareness and ability to link trials to market needs
- Strong stakeholder management across industry and partner networks
- Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
- Highly organised, good at managing own schedule
- Self-motivated, collaborative and delivery-focused
- Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience working with data/modelling teams
- Engagement with government, research or industry bodies
- Project management experience
The Opportunity
This is a key role within the Test, Trial & Demonstration function. You will have direct influence over how livestock technologies are tested, validated and proven, ensuring that innovation is translated into real-world impact across UK agriculture. For the right individual, this is an opportunity to step into a leadership position where your work shapes not just trials, but outcomes 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 will upload your CV to our database and retain some data about you in order to process your application. More information about our processing activities can be found at Please be assured that all contact is treated in complete confidence and your details will not be passed to a third party without your prior permission.
Trial & Validation Lead - Livestock employer: De Lacy Executive
Join a forward-thinking government-funded organisation dedicated to revolutionising the livestock sector through innovation and rigorous testing. As a Trials & Validation Lead, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering unique opportunities to influence real-world agricultural practices. With a focus on high-quality trials and meaningful outcomes, this role not only supports your professional journey but also contributes significantly to the future of agri-tech in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trial & Validation Lead - Livestock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the livestock sector. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for livestock innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your ideas and enthusiasm for improving livestock systems. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by knowing the ins and outs of the company and its projects. Research their recent trials and innovations, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We need to demonstrate that we’re not just a good fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Trial & Validation Lead - Livestock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for livestock innovation shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about making a difference in the commercial livestock sector.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in livestock trials. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is processed smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at De Lacy Executive
✨Know Your Livestock Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of livestock systems, especially the specific areas mentioned in the job description like Beef, Sheep, Dairy, Pig, or Poultry. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with trials and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving continuous improvement and how you've supported your team members in achieving their goals.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Abilities
This position requires strong stakeholder management skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, including farmers and agri-tech businesses. Be ready to explain how you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Since the role focuses on ensuring trials reflect real operating environments, come prepared with examples of how you've designed and executed trials in real-world conditions. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure data quality and relevance.
