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- Tasks: Lead exciting crop trials and collaborate with experts to advance vegetable varieties.
- Company: Established UK organisation in the horticultural and vegetable seed sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in crop development while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in horticulture or related field and experience in trials management.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to innovative agricultural solutions.
An established organisation within the UK horticultural and vegetable seed sector is seeking a Crop Category Technologist (Trials Officer) to join its commercial team. This role plays a key part in the research, development and advancement of crop varieties, while also supporting commercial and market-facing activities.
The Crop Category Technologist takes ownership of the research and development trials programme for an assigned crop category on a national basis. Working closely with crop managers, breeders, product managers and customers, the role bridges technical crop expertise with commercial insight.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Planning, managing and delivering a comprehensive crop trials programme
- Evaluating trial results and making evidence-based recommendations on variety advancement
- Acting as a technical point of contact between breeders, product teams and the market
- Managing minor crops within the category, including customer interaction and sales administration
- Supporting commercial activities through market intelligence, stakeholder engagement and promotional input
- Design and execute crop trials in collaboration with crop managers, breeders and product managers
- Oversee trial establishment, husbandry and assessment, either directly or via colleagues and third-party partners
- Analyse and report trial data using agreed protocols and digital tools
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry growing practices, specifications and competitor varieties
- Manage trial sample logistics, budgets and administration
- Build strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and internal teams
- Contribute to promotional materials, open days and industry events
About the Candidate
The successful candidate will be a motivated and organised professional with strong technical knowledge of the vegetable or produce sector, particularly within a defined crop specialism.
Essential requirements include:
- A relevant degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, marketing or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
- At least three years’ experience in a commercial and/or research and development environment
- Proven experience in trials management and variety evaluation
- Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence working independently and cross-functionally in an international context
- Competence with CRM systems and digital tools
- Willingness to travel regularly, including overnight stays
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, high-energy and results-driven
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Customer-focused with the ability to build trusted relationships
- Commercially aware with a continuous improvement mindset
- Ambitious, adaptable and collaborative
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled professional to play a visible and influential role in crop development, variety advancement and market engagement within a forward-thinking organisation.
Trials Officer employer: Redfox Executive Selection Ltd
Contact Detail:
Redfox Executive Selection Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trials Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the horticultural and vegetable seed sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your technical knowledge and experience in trials management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you're interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to submit your details. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something great!
We think you need these skills to ace Trials Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trials Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in horticulture, trials management, and any specific crop specialisms. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about crop development and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical knowledge and experience with digital tools and CRM systems. We’re keen on candidates who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and commercial insight, so make sure to highlight these skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and eager to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redfox Executive Selection Ltd
✨Know Your Crops
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the specific crops you'll be working with. Understand the latest trends in horticulture and vegetable seed sectors. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in trials management and variety evaluation. Prepare specific examples that highlight your successes and how you've contributed to research and development projects. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand, especially when discussing your interactions with stakeholders and customers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's future crop development plans or how they measure success in their trials programme. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
