Research Farm Manager in Maidstone

About the Opportunity

The Research and Development Test Plot Farm Manager is responsible for installing, executing, and overseeing all aspects of Driscoll’s experimental farming and research trials, in coordination with cross‑functional teams. The role includes the accurate collection and distribution of high‑quality data, as well as the organization of open days for local growers. Through optimized farming practices, the R&D Test Plot Manager ensures the production of crops with the highest standards of flavor and yield, facilitating the full expression of new genetic material.

Key Results

• Maximize the potential of our proprietary genetics, demonstrating meaningful production systems and engaging with independent growers to create enterprise value.
• Grow the best crop possible to ensure expressing the full potential of new genetic material.
• Gain knowledge in growing the crop to bring value to the entire district and enterprise with expertise in new genetic material or growing applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the agronomy of all crops in substrate production system, working with the existing research farm teams to grow the crops using the best commercial practices.
• Support the evaluation and new practice deployment across Driscoll’s growers in collaboration with Agronomy.
• Lead and empower the team, improving overall technical knowledge and strengthening the research farm staff knowledge base.
• Mentor and onboard new research farm staff, fostering development and collaboration.
• Ensure all plant material is labelled, inventoried, and all appropriate treatments are applied; maintain records of all treatments.
• Deploy necessary cultural operations for applied research trials and observations with data collection.
• Develop and implement sustainable research farm systems to deliver high‑quality data for plant breeding and applied research trials.
• Ensure the research farm operates within approved budgetary targets by managing expenditures.
• Design and implement high‑quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead development of new technologies.
• Approve all administrative paperwork for farm crews regarding payroll, training, evaluations, promotions, and terminations.
• Design and implement systems to efficiently manage labor and equipment.
• Contribute to strategic planning of the research farms, ensuring alignment with plant breeders and applied research.
• Accountable for equipment maintenance and worker safety.
• Oversee pest, disease, and weed scouting and management.
• Follow company policies while representing Driscoll’s ethically in all interactions.
• Ensure the security of confidential and proprietary information.

Other Responsibilities

• Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility, and trustworthiness.
• Work well in a team environment, supporting fairness and accountability.
• Utilize team building and communication skills.
• Perform ad‑hoc work as business needs require.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 8 years experience) or Master’s degree (minimum 5 years experience) in Horticulture, Biology, Biochemistry, or Agriculture.
• Comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and genetics.
• Experience in planning and managing budgets, prioritizing expenditures.
• Project management and process improvement experience.
• Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
• Adoption of soft‑fruit production knowledge highly desirable.
• Practical experience with farming practices, equipment operation and management, irrigation management, and pest control.
• Experience in agricultural research an added advantage.
• Willingness to work in field, office, and corporate settings; perform hard, repetitive physical work.
• Occasional travel to other farming locations in Europe, Africa, and overseas.
• Valid driver’s licence; covered by company‑sponsored vehicle insurance program.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook.
• Ability to work with key stakeholders and manage multiple projects across the enterprise.
• Open attitude to new systems and technologies.
• Collaborative attitude toward breeding, entomology, and applied research customers.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Strong understanding of lean principles.
• Performance‑driven management.
• Project management skills.
• Budgeting and financial skills.
• Creative, innovative, and result‑oriented team player.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range (Test Plot Manager): £45,000 to £60,000. Benefits include: Health benefits and paid time off. Employer‑supported annual profit‑sharing bonus, retirement or savings programs, and wellbeing resources. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Opportunities for professional growth and leadership skills development. Benefits eligibility varies by location/role. Additional country‑specific benefit information is developed on our career site; details are provided during the application process.