CAREER PORTAL: WORK WITH US
CAREER PORTAL: WORK WITH US
Head of Arable Agronomy
We are currently recruiting for a Head of Arable Agronomy for our Cereal & Oilseeds sector to work nationally across the UK. Flexibility to travel is essential along with a full UK driving licence.
As the national lead in agronomy for AHDB, this role has key responsibility for the development and delivery of agronomic activity across the business to ensure successful delivery and value for levy payers. You will guide and equip us with the knowledge and understanding of contemporary crop production systems and the agronomy industry in the UK, and will work closely with our research teams to deliver innovative and actionable guidance to growers.
We are looking for a proactive and strategic individual with proven leadership qualities, exceptional communication skills and the ability to develop key industry relationships. Significant experience in commercial arable agronomy is essential, along with a relevant degree, and a Basis Certificate in Crop Production & FACTS. Additional experience working in a research, sales/agronomy or chemical distribution is also required.
At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Working at AHDB, you won’t just be helping our farmers produce the food we eat and look after our environment, you’ll be helping shape the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Department
Cereal & Oilseeds Engagement
Work Base
Field-based
Location
National, UK
Salary Range
£60,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus car allowance
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Total Hours (per week)
35
Closing Date
01/06/2025
Responsibilities
- Help steer the technical development of key industry projects like RB209, Recommended Lists and Fungicide Dose Response
- Provide insight to AHDB on contemporary crop production systems, fungicide programs, nutrition and commercial activity of UK cereal crop production
- Be a technical representative for AHDB through public speaking at events, shows and media
- Maintain BASIS Qualification status whilst continuing to build personal knowledge from across the industry
- Work closely with the Sector Director to ensure successful delivery of sector strategy
- Provide leadership for activities, agronomic guidance, training and support
- Ensure a coordinated approach to creation and delivery of levy payer facing activity, materials, tools and messages to deliver benefits
- Ensure proactive feedback mechanisms from levy payer facing activity which feed into business priorities and strategy
- Be seen as a point of contact with the Sector Chair, Council members and external stakeholders for matters relating to agronomic activity, both commercial and technical
- Support the Sector Director with a strong understanding of the industry landscape and its challenges, championing the sector externally and internally whilst always ensuring a high level of support and delivery
- Develop and maintain a strong profile and connection, providing industry representation where required - Defra committees, industry groups, as well as commentating, networking, and building supply chain relationships
Essential Criteria
- Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science or related discipline, with Basis Certificate in Crop Production & FACTS is essential (Basis Diploma in Agronomy is an advantage, although not essential)
- Significant commercial arable agronomy experience, and experience working with government agencies, research and commercial organisations
- Proven leadership skills, with experience leading others to develop, grow and achieve their potential
- Excellent networking skills and confident building and maintaining relationships
- Experience working with and delivering strategic plans
- Ideally located in England, with a valid full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel across the UK
The benefits…
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities, to give you the recognition you deserve:
- 35 hours per week
- 33 days annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Life assurance cover (4 x salary)
- A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
- Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
- Recognition Awards throughout the year
- Access to the Government’s tax-free childcare scheme
- Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
Apply now, or call 02476 935722 if you require any further information.
Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.
At AHDB, you'll find we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
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