Trials Officer

Crop Category Technologist (Trials Officer) An established organisation within the UK horticultural and vegetable seed sector is seeking a Crop Category Technologist (Trials Officer) to join its commercial team. This role plays a key part in the research, development and advancement of crop varieties, while also supporting commercial and market-facing activities. The Role The Crop Category Technologist takes ownership of the research and development trials programme for an assigned crop category on a national basis. Working closely with crop managers, breeders, product managers and customers, the role bridges technical crop expertise with commercial insight. Key areas of responsibility include: * Planning, managing and delivering a comprehensive crop trials programme * Evaluating trial results and making evidence-based recommendations on variety advancement * Acting as a technical point of contact between breeders, product teams and the market * Managing minor crops within the category, including customer interaction and sales administration * Supporting commercial activities through market intelligence, stakeholder engagement and promotional input * Design and execute crop trials in collaboration with crop managers, breeders and product managers * Oversee trial establishment, husbandry and assessment, either directly or via colleagues and third-party partners * Analyse and report trial data using agreed protocols and digital tools * Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry growing practices, specifications and competitor varieties * Manage trial sample logistics, budgets and administration * Build strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and internal teams * Contribute to promotional materials, open days and industry events About the Candidate The successful candidate will be a motivated and organised professional with strong technical knowledge of the vegetable or produce sector, particularly within a defined crop specialism. Essential requirements include: * A relevant degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, marketing or a related field, or equivalent industry experience * At least three years’ experience in a commercial and/or research and development environment * Proven experience in trials management and variety evaluation * Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills * Confidence working independently and cross-functionally in an international context * Competence with CRM systems and digital tools * Willingness to travel regularly, including overnight stays Personal Attributes * Proactive, high-energy and results-driven * Strong organisational skills and attention to detail * Customer-focused with the ability to build trusted relationships * Commercially aware with a continuous improvement mindset * Ambitious, adaptable and collaborative This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled professional to play a visible and influential role in crop development, variety advancement and market engagement within a forward-thinking organisation. For a confidential chat about this vacancy or any others, please give Ian Reed a call or get your application in without delay via. this website quoting ref: 6020IR