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- Tasks: Lead innovative plant research programs and develop high-performing teams across DEMEA.
- Company: Join Driscoll's, the global leader in fresh berries with a rich farming heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible location, competitive salary, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Passionate about innovation and developing talent in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of plant science and make a real impact on growers' success.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in applied research with strong leadership and plant science expertise.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Opportunity
Location: Flexible within DEMEA (Maidstone, Boavista, Huelva, Moulay or Agadir) Approximately 30% travel.
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.
- 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.
- 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's
Contact Detail:
Driscoll's 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 folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people 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 they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. Highlight your leadership skills and any innovative projects you've led. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for their time.
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 to highlight your experience in plant science and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Applied Research Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for plant science and innovation shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the field, so share any personal projects or experiences that fuel your passion!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Driscoll’s!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driscoll's
✨Know Your Plant Science
Brush up on your plant science knowledge, especially in areas like genetics and agronomy. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with the role's focus on developing innovative plant research programmes.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams and driving results. Highlight specific instances where you fostered innovation and accountability within your team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex research insights in a clear and structured manner. This will be crucial when discussing how you plan to communicate research progress and insights to various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about long-term research roadmaps and how you can contribute to them. Be prepared to discuss your strategic mindset and how you've successfully reconciled competing priorities in past roles.