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 team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agriculture while working at the intersection of science and leadership.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in applied research with strong leadership and plant science expertise.
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 Maidstone 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 values scientific excellence and empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the world of plant science.
Contact Detail:
Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Research Manager DEMEA in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at conferences. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in applied research.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in a scientific context. We love hearing about innovation and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Research Manager DEMEA in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Applied Research Manager role. Highlight your experience in plant sciences and leadership, and show how your skills align with our vision at Driscoll’s.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in applied research. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on previous projects and teams.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application reaches the right people and gives you the best chance of standing out in the process.
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 Stakeholder Management
Think about your past experiences in stakeholder management and be prepared to share specific instances where you reconciled competing priorities. This role requires balancing various interests, so demonstrating your ability to align diverse stakeholders will be key.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a straightforward manner. Since you'll need to report insights and progress clearly, being able to communicate effectively will set you apart. Consider how you would present research findings to non-experts and prepare for potential questions.
