At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead applied research strategy and develop innovative plant programs across Europe, the UK, the Middle East and Africa.
- Company: Join Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh berries, known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible location, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of plant science.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agriculture while working at the intersection of science and leadership.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in applied research, strong leadership skills, and a passion for plant science.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About the Opportunity
Location: Flexible within DEMEA (Maidstone, Boavista, Huelva, Moulay or Agadir) Approximately 30% travel.
At Driscoll’s, we are looking for a visionary and people-centered DEMEA Applied Research Manager to lead our applied research strategy across Europe, the UK, the Middle East and Africa. This role requires approximately 30% domestic and international travel to support research programs and stakeholder collaboration across the region.
As DEMEA Applied Research Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to Applied Research programs across multiple crops and geographies. You will ensure research priorities are tightly aligned with business objectives developed by Product, Supply and District Leadership.
You will lead the development and execution of trial strategies for new selections and plant types, accelerating the deployment of new genetics and optimizing growing systems in diverse production environments. Leveraging the Global Applied Research Network, you will drive innovation and translate scientific insights into practical, grower-focused solutions.
This is a senior leadership role requiring the ability to balance scientific rigor with business impact, manage multiple complex initiatives, and align diverse stakeholders around clear priorities.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and vision in developing relevant plant research programs aligned with DEMEA business strategies.
- Design and oversee trialing strategies to evaluate new genetics and plant types across environments and crops.
- Lead and develop the DEMEA Applied Research teams, fostering innovation, agility and a strong culture of curiosity and accountability.
- Communicate research progress, insights and opportunities through clear reporting and structured knowledge-sharing forums to ensure effective deployment and adoption.
- Partner closely with breeding, nursery, product, supply and district teams to translate genetic potential into commercial performance.
- Leverage global research networks to accelerate innovation in plant types and growing systems.
- Develop training programs that strengthen scientific robustness and business acumen within the team.
- Manage the Applied Research EMEA budget to maximize scientific rigor, operational efficiency and business impact.
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle as a people manager, including hiring, development, engagement and safety.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a senior research leader who combines deep plant science expertise with strong business acumen and people leadership skills. The ideal candidate is strategic yet hands-on, scientifically rigorous yet pragmatic, and capable of building alignment across diverse stakeholders while developing high-performing teams.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (Master preferred) in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field.
- 10+ years of professional experience, ideally within applied research programs delivering practical solutions for growers.
- Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience.
- Strong background in experimental design, data collection methodologies and statistical analysis.
- Demonstrated experience translating small-plot research and large-scale commercial trial results into actionable business insights.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic mindset with the ability to design long-term research roadmaps.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to reconcile competing priorities.
- Proven ability to drive results across multiple regions and crops with energy and resilience.
- High level of intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for plant science, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Brings positive energy, ownership and momentum to complex initiatives and diverse teams.
- Passion for developing talent and building high-performing teams.
- Advanced English language skills; Spanish strongly preferred.
- Valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
Why Join Driscoll’s?
Driscoll’s is the global market leader in fresh berries, driven by innovation in genetics, plant science and grower partnerships. In this role, you will shape the future of applied plant research across DEMEA, directly influencing the performance of new cultivars and the success of our growers.
If you are energized by the intersection of science, strategy and leadership and passionate about unlocking the potential of plants, we would love to hear from you.
Applied Research Manager DEMEA in Kent employer: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc
At Driscoll’s, we pride ourselves on being a visionary employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. With flexible working locations across DEMEA, including Maidstone, Boavista, Huelva, and Agadir, we offer our employees the opportunity to lead impactful research initiatives while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a team that is dedicated to advancing plant science and making a meaningful difference in the agricultural landscape.
Contact Detail:
Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Research Manager DEMEA in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Applied Research Manager role. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your leadership and strategic mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Driscoll’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Research Manager DEMEA in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in applied research and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at Driscoll’s, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for plant science and innovation shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely excited about the work we do. Share any personal projects or experiences that reflect this passion!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and helps us streamline the process. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into Driscoll’s applied research initiatives and understand their strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with recent projects, innovations, and how they align with the business objectives in DEMEA. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience can contribute.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving results across diverse regions. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered innovation and accountability in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Applied Research Manager position.
✨Align with Business Impact
Think about how your scientific expertise translates into practical solutions for growers. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where your research led to actionable insights or improved outcomes, demonstrating your ability to balance scientific rigor with business impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key, prepare to discuss how you've successfully aligned diverse groups around common goals. Share strategies you've used to communicate research progress and insights effectively, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
