At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate a national network of innovative agri-tech demonstration farms and showcase cutting-edge technologies.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation driving innovation in the agri-tech sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible hours, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Field-based role with travel; UK driving licence is mandatory.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while collaborating with forward-thinking industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial farming systems and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role is responsible for coordinating, with other industry stakeholders, a national network of commercial demonstration farms that support the validation, showcasing, and scaling of emerging agri-tech innovations.
The role will understand the consistency of approach, data capture, and delivery standards across the UK demonstration farm networks—enabling technologies to be demonstrated credibly, repeatedly, and at scale.
The postholder will look to strengthen cooperation across demonstration farms while expanding the network to include innovative, commercially progressive farm businesses capable of accelerating adoption and sector-wide impact. This role is field-based, which means you’ll be travelling to client sites, partner sites and our locations as part of your day-to-day work. You may also work from your home address for a minority of the week or attend one of our sites from time to time. Our main locations are: Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Cranfield, Newport (Midlands).
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate and map, with industry stakeholders, collaboration between demonstration farms nationally to share learning, challenges, and best practice.
- Ensure alignment between farm network activity and programme milestones, KPIs, and impact measurement requirements.
- Develop an understanding of scalable models for on-farm demonstrations across different sectors and production systems.
- Work closely with programme teams to ensure there is awareness of where technologies can be deployed in commercial farm environments across the UK.
- Lead on collaborative demonstration events that showcase innovation in action.
- Identify forward-thinking commercial farms suitable for inclusion in the UK agri-tech centre partner farm network.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with potential new host farms and ecosystem partners.
- Expand the wider demonstration ecosystem, including collaboration with supply chain partners and advisory networks.
- Foster collaboration between farm hosts, engagement managers, industry stakeholders, and programme teams.
- Support the development of “host farm champions” who act as credible ambassadors for technology adoption.
- Ensure farm network activities contribute directly to commercialisation pathways for agri-tech ventures.
- Maintain accurate records of demonstration activity, data capture, and stakeholder engagement.
- Contribute to impact reporting, case studies, and portfolio-level performance metrics.
What we are looking for
- Deep understanding of commercial farming systems across the UK.
- Experience coordinating multi-site farm demonstration or farm network activity.
- Proven relationship-building skills with agri-tech ventures, value chain, primary producers and rural stakeholders.
- Organisational skills to manage national coordination activity.
- Experience working within an agri-tech or innovation programme environment.
- Understanding of data collection, benchmarking, and impact measurement.
- Established network with agri-tech ventures and UK agriculture.
- Network coordination and collaboration.
- Strategic relationship building.
- Clear communicator across technical and commercial audiences.
- Outcome-driven and organised.
- Systems thinking across innovation and adoption pathways.
Additional Information
Travel will be required. UK driving licence is mandatory to have.
Why join us?
You will be part of a pioneering organisation driving innovation in agri-tech, whilst working in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. There is opportunity to grow and develop within a newly established organisation, plus a range of benefits including:
- 33 days of annual leave with flexible public holidays allocation
- Flexible working hours
- 4x salary life assurance
- EAP with 24/7 helpline and expert advice service (legal, finance, health)
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme availability
- Fees for professional memberships
- Ongoing training and development
If you are ready for a role that truly makes an impact - join us and be part of something meaningful. We’d love to hear from you!
Farms Engagement Manager employer: The UK Agri-Tech Centre
As a Trials & Validation Coordinator at UKATC, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to supporting innovative agri-tech businesses in real-world environments. Located near York, the company offers a collaborative work culture with flexible hours, generous annual leave, and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring that employees can grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that drive industry advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farms Engagement Manager
✨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 The UK Agri-Tech Centre often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Farms Engagement Manager
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 The UK Agri-Tech Centre does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨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 The UK Agri-Tech Centre 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 The UK Agri-Tech Centre.
✨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 The UK Agri-Tech Centre.
