Are you an experienced agronomist who enjoys being as comfortable out in the crop as you are planning programmes and leading operations? I'm recruiting an Agronomy Manager for an established UK vegetable seed business with a long-standing reputation for plant breeding, innovation and the development of high-quality vegetable varieties. Sitting within the Research & Development team and reporting to the Director of R&D, this is a varied, hands-on management role with responsibility for agronomy and the effective delivery of field, glasshouse, trial and seed production activities at a site in Surrey. It could be a fantastic opportunity for somebody from vegetable production, seed production, trials, plant breeding or commercial horticulture who is looking to take greater ownership of how crops and agronomy programmes are delivered. The role This isn't an Agronomy Manager position where you'll spend all week behind a desk. You'll be closely involved with crops throughout the growing cycle, combining technical agronomy with operational leadership and practical problem-solving. Working alongside breeders, R&D colleagues, seed production teams, growers and contractors, you'll make sure trials and seed crops are established, maintained and harvested effectively, while continually looking for opportunities to improve crop performance, trial quality and ways of working. Your responsibilities will include: Leading and coordinating field and glasshouse operations across the company's UK sites Planning the establishment, management and harvest of vegetable trials and seed crops Taking responsibility for crop agronomy, including nutrition, irrigation, crop protection, pest and disease management and weed control Developing and overseeing appropriate spray and crop protection programmes Monitoring crops and identifying agronomic issues before recommending and implementing appropriate action Working closely with plant breeders and R&D teams to deliver high-quality trials for breeding and product development programmes Supporting trial protocols and ensuring accurate and consistent agronomic data collection Coordinating planting, spraying, irrigation, harvesting and other seasonal operations Managing relationships with growers, agricultural contractors and suppliers where required Planning labour, machinery and resources around the demands of the growing and seed production seasons Maintaining accurate crop, spray, seed production and trial records Ensuring activities meet relevant crop protection, environmental, regulatory and health & safety requirements About you I'm interested in speaking to practical agronomists and crop production professionals who understand what it takes to deliver good crops in the real world. You may already be an Agronomy Manager, or you could be an experienced Agronomist, Trials Manager, Crop Manager, Farm Manager, Growing Manager or Seed Production professional ready to take on broader responsibility. Ideally, you'll bring: Significant hands-on experience within agronomy, crop production, vegetable growing, trials, plant breeding or seed production Experience managing field and/or glasshouse crops Strong knowledge of crop husbandry, plant nutrition, irrigation, pests, diseases and crop protection Good working knowledge of pesticide legislation, product labels and application requirements Practical experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate several seasonal priorities simultaneously The confidence to work collaboratively with breeders, technical teams, growers, contractors and operational colleagues A relevant qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience A full UK driving licencePA1 and PA6 qualifications are highly desirable, as is PA2 for tractor-mounted boom spraying. A BASIS qualification would also be advantageous. Above all, this role needs somebody practical, organised and genuinely crop-focused. You'll need to be happy working outdoors and in glasshouses, getting involved when necessary and adapting your working hours during important periods of the growing, trial and seed production seasons. While the role will require a regular on-site presence, there is potential for some flexibility around hybrid working. This would be subject to discussion and the requirements of the role, with the business open to considering a working pattern that provides some opportunity to work remotely where appropriate. Interested? If you're an experienced agronomy, vegetable production, trials or seed professional looking for a role offering technical responsibility, practical involvement and genuine variety, I'd be very interested in hearing from you. Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation to find out more. Interested? For an informal chat, please call Emily on (phone number removed) or email (url removed). Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date, just send what you have already, and we can sort the rest later
Agronomy Manager in Cobham employer: MorePeople
Join a leading UK food manufacturing business in Quarrington, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values innovation and teamwork. With a structured shift pattern and a strong focus on employee development, this role offers excellent opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth, making it an ideal place for skilled Electrical Engineers looking to make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agronomy Manager in Cobham
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like MorePeople often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
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 MorePeople does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨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 MorePeople 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 MorePeople.
✨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 MorePeople.
