At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative crop product development using cutting-edge gene editing science.
- Company: Join Tropic, a pioneering tropical seeds company focused on sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical care, 25 days annual leave, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global agriculture while developing high-performing crop varieties.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 12+ years in agricultural biotechnology or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are looking for a visionary leader who can turn breakthrough gene editing science into market ready crop products, drive a multi crop pipeline, and power Tropic’s next phase of growth.
Responsibilities
- Pipeline Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Define and execute crop product strategy in close partnership with the commercial organisation, onboarding new crops, prioritising the pipeline and allocating resources for maximum commercial and strategic impact.
- Product Development & Delivery: Lead end-to-end product development from trait discovery through regulatory progression to launch readiness, driving milestone based plans and rigorous stage gate discipline, ultimately ensuring on-time product delivery.
- R&D Activities: Oversee R&D activities, optimising workflows, infrastructure, and resource allocation while upholding biosafety, data integrity, and compliance (Plant Breeding Innovation/Excellence Through Stewardship).
- Cross Functional & Executive Leadership: Partner with internal teams including Commercial, Regulatory, Project Management, and Senior Leadership to align product development with business priorities, and represent crop development at executive and board levels.
- Team Leadership & Organisational Capability: Lead and develop high performing multidisciplinary teams and mentor future leaders, strengthening organisational capability and readying for further crop expansion.
- Market, Grower & Value Chain Insight: Integrate deep market, grower, value chain, sustainability, and climate insights into product and pipeline strategy.
A more comprehensive job description can be provided upon request.
Requirements
- PhD or advanced degree in Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Biotechnology, Genetics, or related (MBA a plus).
- 12+ years’ experience in agricultural biotechnology, seeds, crop R&D, or related sectors.
- Demonstrated success launching plant varieties or biotech crop products.
- Proven leadership of sizable, multi‑disciplinary development teams.
- Experience building and advancing multi‑year crop pipelines.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of effective cross functional collaboration.
- Ability to navigate complex trade-offs and make effective portfolio decisions.
- Experience onboarding new crops into a product development pipeline is desirable.
Leadership Profile
- Strategic, disciplined, and execution driven.
- Decisive and comfortable leading through ambiguity.
- A strong communicator and stakeholder manager.
- Commercially aware while maintaining scientific rigor.
- Effective in a fast paced, scaling biotech environment.
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 – 07/04/2026
Head of Crop Product Development in Norwich employer: Tropic Biosciences
Tropic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Norwich, UK, where innovation meets agricultural advancement. With a strong focus on employee growth, Tropic provides excellent learning opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical care and generous annual leave, and fosters a culture of collaboration and social engagement. Join us to lead groundbreaking crop product development and make a meaningful impact on global agriculture while being part of a diverse and high-performing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Crop Product Development in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their pipeline and recent developments in crop biotechnology. We want you to show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for crop product development and how your experience aligns with their goals. We believe that confidence and clarity can make a huge difference in how you come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can keep you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Crop Product Development in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Crop Product Development role. Highlight your experience in agricultural biotechnology and any successful product launches you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Tropic!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about crop development and how your vision aligns with our goals. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone who can lead multidisciplinary teams effectively. In your application, share examples of how you've developed teams and mentored future leaders. This will help us see your potential to strengthen our organisational capability.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Tropic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tropic Biosciences
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in gene editing and crop biotechnology. Be prepared to discuss how these innovations can be applied to product development and pipeline strategy. This shows your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific projects where you drove product development from concept to launch, focusing on your decision-making process and how you navigated challenges.
✨Understand the Market
Research Tropic’s current crop portfolio and market position. Be ready to discuss how your insights into market trends and grower needs can influence product strategy. This demonstrates your commercial acumen and alignment with the company's goals.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Think about how you’ve collaborated with different departments like R&D, Regulatory, and Commercial in previous roles. Prepare to share how you can foster effective communication and teamwork at Tropic, ensuring that product development aligns with business priorities.
