AHDB: Head of Farming Systems & Agronomy

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Farming Systems & Agronomy to work on a hybrid basis. This role has responsibility to manage a specialist technical team and lead on crop nutrition, soils, manure/slurry, forage management and how systems can be optimised to deliver profitable, resilient and environmentally sustainable approaches to producing food. This key position will work closely with teams across Farming Systems, Livestock Science & Environment and Economics & Analysis within AHDB.

We are looking for an experienced manager, with natural leadership qualities, who has extensive technical knowledge of crop production and agronomy in the UK. BASIS and FACTS qualification would also be expected.

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.

AHDB offers hybrid working – two/three days from our HQ in Coventry or at external meetings and the remainder working remotely from home or external meetings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to the Farming Systems and Agronomy Team, ensuring that agronomy and scientific expertise and excellence is maintained and enhanced
• Develop and maintain a strong profile and connection with the sector, providing industry representation
• Take lead on appropriate stakeholder / supply chain engagement on technical issues at a national level
• Identify gaps in knowledge and establish R&D programmes
• Work with the industry and researchers on the review, development, and production of RB209
• Ensure that advice and expertise on forage production and grassland management is available to the livestock sectors
• Encourage systems thinking across farm types, both pure Cereals & Oilseed farms and integrated/mixed farming enterprises working across AHDB to create a systems mindset
• Ensure that AHDB has sufficient expertise on slurry/manure management and use of all nutrient materials
• Ensure the team can provide expertise on soil and water management
• Deliver outcomes in a format that industry can utilise effectively reflecting both the integration with other farm activity and the impact on the economics of production
• Establish good links with research institutes, universities and commercial businesses involved in Agronomy and systems (in the UK and overseas) to identify innovations that AHDB can deliver to industry stakeholders
• Control and monitor the operational budget for the team and provide accurate and appropriate reporting information to the Farming Systems Director

Essential Criteria

• Relevant degree or higher degree in biological, agricultural or related discipline
• Extensive experience of crop production and agronomy in the UK, ideally Basis and Facts Qualified.
• Additional experience working with government agencies and commercial organisations to develop business opportunities and knowledge of the UK research funding landscape would be beneficial although not essential
• Confident and inspiring leader, able to manage and motivate a team
• A skilled communicator with good experience of presenting to industry
• Results driven with experience of setting and managing stretching operational targets
• Ability to provide budgets and oversee reforecasts

The Benefits….

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work so have a great mix of benefits and opportunities, to give you the recognition you deserve

• Hybrid working – a mix of working at our Head Quarters in Coventry and remotely from home
• An extensive benefits package including 33 days annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• A single private medical health scheme
• Life assurance cover (4 x salary)
• A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
• Applause Awards – every three months we celebrate employees who embrace our values; the core moral principles that are at the heart of everything we do
• Ambitious in Agriculture Awards – awards announced at annual staff conference
• Access to the governments tax-free childcare scheme
• Perkbox membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
• Enhanced family friendly policies

Apply here or call 02476 935722 if you require any further information.