At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to drive innovative scientific platforms and strategies.
- Company: Join Tropic, a pioneering company transforming tropical agriculture with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical care, 25 days leave, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with social events and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global agriculture while leading a dynamic, diverse team.
- Qualifications: Strong scientific background, leadership experience, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional leader to provide senior scientific, operational, and commercial leadership across a portfolio of enabling capabilities that support research, product development, and client delivery to power Tropic's next phase of growth. The Director of Platforms will lead a multidisciplinary organization of around 30 professionals across Bioinformatics, Transcriptomics, High‑Throughput Cell‑Based Validation, Synthetic Biology, and Molecular Analysis. The team functions as both a service provider and scientific consultancy, supporting the wider organization by translating company objectives into platform strategies and delivering effectively in complex, fast‑moving environments with competing priorities.
This Director of Platforms is responsible for the performance, reliability, and evolution of the team, ensuring they operate as scalable services aligned with company strategy.
Responsibilities- Own the strategic direction, performance, and evolution of a portfolio of advanced scientific and technical platforms, ensuring they operate as reliable, scalable capabilities aligned with organisational priorities and informed by relevant external developments.
- Take end‑to‑end accountability for resourcing, prioritisation, and delivery of platform‑related commitments, balancing quality, speed, and risk.
- Lead high‑impact initiatives that deliver step‑change improvements in capability, efficiency, or value, providing clear, decision‑focused updates to senior leadership.
- Ensure robust end‑to‑end data governance and traceability across platform activities, maintaining readiness for regulatory, commercial, and audit requirements.
- Contribute to the creation and ongoing management of budgets, making informed trade‑offs between cost, speed, risk, and value to support sustainable performance.
- Take accountability for the delivery and performance of revenue‑generating services where applicable.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across scientific, technical, and commercial functions, acting as a senior decision‑maker.
- Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing leadership team, supporting succession, organisational resilience, and a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
- Strong scientific or technical background in data‑rich or laboratory environments, with the ability to apply that expertise pragmatically to prioritise work, manage risks, and support sound decisions.
- Solid commercial judgement, able to balance ambition, delivery risk, cost, and long‑term sustainability.
- Comfortable operating at senior levels with excellent executive‑level communication skills and ability to frame options, trade‑offs, and clear recommendations.
- Proven ability to deliver results in fast‑moving, complex settings, navigating competing priorities effectively.
- Financially literate, with good judgement when making value‑based decisions.
- Experience leading leaders and scaling multidisciplinary teams or service functions.
- Ability to build high‑performing, resilient teams with clear ownership, accountability, and strong succession planning.
- Strong organisational discipline, attention to quality, and commitment to compliance and traceability.
About Us Tropic is a pioneering tropical seeds company dedicated to the development of healthier, more robust, high‑performing varieties of tropical crops. The company’s current core crop portfolio focusses on banana and rice, which together provide a source of livelihood to billions of people worldwide. Tropic utilises its proprietary GEiGS® platform and other cutting‑edge gene editing technologies to develop improved crops with increased disease resistance, higher yields, and environmentally sustainable traits. By harnessing the power of advanced genetic engineering, Tropic is committed to addressing global agricultural challenges and providing innovative solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Why Join Tropic?
- Diverse workforce operating in a dynamic working environment
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- Social events throughout the year
- Competitive compensation and benefits including: Private Medical Care, Medical Cash Plan, 25 days annual leave, and Life Assurance
Further Information
- Job Location – Norwich UK
- Time Requirement – Full Time
- Contract – Permanent
- Closing date – 19/07/2026
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Platforms
✨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 Tropic Biosciences 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 Director of Platforms
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 Tropic Biosciences does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tropic Biosciences
✨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 Tropic Biosciences 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 Tropic Biosciences.
✨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 Tropic Biosciences.
