At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the UK commercial operation for seed potatoes, driving sales and building relationships.
- Company: Established European potato breeding and seed business known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the business.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and significant career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a senior role with autonomy and make a real impact in the potato industry.
- Qualifications: Strong background in the potato industry with proven sales and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.
Are you an experienced seed potato professional ready to take ownership of a UK commercial operation and shape its future growth? Do you have a strong UK potato industry network and the commercial drive to grow seed sales and develop new market opportunities? Are you looking for a senior, autonomous role where you can lead UK commercial strategy while staying close to growers, customers and the potato supply chain?
Location of the Job: UK Based - Home & Field-Based
Salary & Benefits Package: Competitive salary and benefits package, flexible and autonomous working approach with travel across key UK potato growing regions, opportunity for international travel, opportunity to establish, develop and lead the UK commercial operation of an established European potato breeding and seed business.
About the Company: Our client is a highly established European potato breeding and seed business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and variety development. Operating internationally, the organisation breeds, multiplies and distributes an extensive portfolio of potato varieties across table, processing and specialist markets. As part of its continued international growth strategy, the company is investing in the development of its UK presence, building upon existing customer relationships while developing new commercial opportunities, seed supply and multiplication partnerships across the UK market.
UK Commercial Lead - The Job Role Details: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a UK Commercial Lead - Seed Potatoes to lead and develop the company's UK commercial operation. This is a rare senior-level opportunity to take genuine ownership of the UK market, with significant autonomy to help shape the commercial strategy and future direction of the business. You will be responsible for driving seed potato sales, developing existing and new customer relationships, establishing supply and multiplication partnerships and supporting the successful introduction and commercial development of potato varieties within the UK. Working closely with the wider European business, you will combine strategic commercial leadership with a hands-on presence across growers, customers and the wider UK potato supply chain.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive sales and commercial growth of seed potato varieties across the UK market
- Develop and manage relationships with growers, seed producers, packers, processors and key industry stakeholders
- Manage and grow existing customer accounts while identifying and securing new commercial opportunities
- Develop opportunities across seed production, multiplication and end markets
- Identify and develop relationships with UK seed growers and multiplication partners
- Establish and develop the company's UK commercial operation and supply chain
- Coordinate UK seed availability, logistics, commercial planning and market development
- Organise and oversee UK variety trials in collaboration with growers
- Provide commercial and technical insight on variety performance and positioning
- Support the introduction and commercial development of new varieties within the UK
- Represent the business at industry events and within key potato industry networks
- Monitor UK market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements
- Act as the UK commercial lead, providing market insight and contributing to the long-term strategy of the business
Essential Candidate Skills & Experience:
- Strong commercial and sales background within the potato industry
- Proven experience within the seed potato sector, ideally encompassing breeding, seed production, multiplication, trading or variety development
- Established network within the UK potato supply chain
- Strong understanding of seed potato production, multiplication and commercial markets
- Good knowledge of potato varieties, variety performance and commercialisation
- Proven ability to develop new commercial opportunities and long-term customer relationships
- Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Commercially driven, self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership of a developing market
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Comfortable working autonomously within a home and field-based position
- Willingness to travel across the UK and internationally when required
Desirable:
- Knowledge of UK potato variety trials and agronomy
- Experience working directly with seed growers and multiplication programmes
- Understanding of table, packing and processing potato markets
- Experience of international seed potato markets
- Exposure to European potato breeders, seed houses or genetics businesses
- Previous senior commercial or leadership experience
We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.
UK Commercial Lead - Seed Potatoes employer: Menter a Busnes
Join a leading international property consultancy that values your agricultural expertise and offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a focus on high-profile projects, you will have the opportunity to develop your career while making a meaningful impact in the rural and property sector across the South West of England. Enjoy a collaborative culture, excellent professional development opportunities, and the chance to work closely with landowners and stakeholders to shape the future of UK agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Commercial Lead - Seed Potatoes
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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We think you need these skills to ace UK Commercial Lead - Seed Potatoes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Menter a Busnes does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Menter a Busnes
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Menter a Busnes will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Menter a Busnes.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Menter a Busnes.
