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Research Farm Manager

Location:

UK - Maidstone

Job Family

Research & Development

Time Type

Full time

Job Requisition ID

R0008880

Experience Years

5-10 Years of Experience

Employee Type

Regular

About The Opportunity

The Research and Development Test Plot Farm Manager is responsible for installing, executing, and overseeing all aspects of Driscoll’s experimental farming and research trials, in coordination with cross-functional teams. The role includes the accurate collection and distribution of high-quality data, as well as the organization of open days for local growers. Through optimized farming practices, the R&D Test Plot Manager ensures the production of crops with the highest standards of flavor and yield, facilitating the full expression of new genetic material. This position brings value to the enterprise through strong expertise in crop management, the application of innovative growing practices, and support for the development and deployment of proprietary genetics. In addition, the role is responsible for ensuring that Research Farm teams maintain strong succession plans for key management and operational positions.

GOAL OF THE POSITION / KEY RESULTS AREA

To maximize the potential of our proprietary genetics, demonstrating meaningful production systems and engaging with independent growers creating Enterprise value.
The main objective of the position is to grow the best crop possible to ensure expressing the full potential of new genetic material.
Gain knowledge in growing the crop to bring value to the entire district and enterprise with expertise in new genetic material or growing applications.

Responsibilities

Oversee the agronomy of all crops in substrate production system, working with the existing research farm teams to grow the crops using the best commercial practices
Support the evaluation and new practice deployment across Driscoll’s growers in collaboration with Agronomy
Lead and empower the team and improve the overall technical knowledge of the research farm staff and strengthen the knowledge base of the research farm teams Mentor and onboard new research farm staff and foster development and collaboration.
Ensures all plant material is labelled, inventoried and all appropriate treatments are being applied to this material. Maintains records of all treatments applied.
Deploy the necessary cultural operations for Applied Research (AR) trials and observations with data collection
Develop and implement sustainable research farm systems to deliver high quality data for both plant breeding and AR trials so they can accurately guide commercial decisions
Ensure the research farm operates within the approved budgetary targets by managing and monitoring expenditures accordingly
Develop, design and implement high-quality processes and improvements in research farms and lead the development of new technologies in the breeding research farms
Responsible for reviewing/approving all administrative paperwork for the farm crews regarding payroll, training, evaluations, promotions and terminations
Design and implement systems to efficiently manage labor and equipment
Contribute to the strategic planning of the research farms and ensure implementation of plans in alignment with plant breeders and applied research
Accountable for equipment maintenance and worker safety
Oversee pest and disease scouting and management. Ensure weed management with a clean and organized area
Responsible for reviewing/approving all administrative paperwork for the farm
Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials
Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities

Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility, and trustworthiness in all interactions.
Work well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic accountability to the team and leading by example. Utilize team building and communication skills to create strong department and company alignment.
Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers.
Ensure the safekeeping of Driscoll’s confidential and propriety information and materials.
Ad hoc work outside of the parameters as the business need requires.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following experience and knowledge:

A Bachelor's degree (with at least 8 years of experience) or a Master's degree (with at least 5 years of experience) in Horticulture, Biology, Biochemistry or Agriculture, with comprehensive understanding of horticulture crops and agronomy, plant physiology and plant genetics
Plan and manage budgets and prioritizing expenditures within set guidelines
Project management and process improvement experience
Knowledge of the agronomy of horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting
Berry production knowledge including direct experience with soft fruit production would be highly desirable
Practical experience of farming practices including equipment operation and management, irrigation management, and pest control
Knowledge and experience of agricultural research would be an added advantage
Feel comfortable working in field, office, and corporate settings, and able and willing to perform hard, repetitive physical work as necessary
Occasional travel to other farming locations in Europe and Africa and at times, overseas
Valid driver's license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required
Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
Ability to work with key stakeholders and manage multiple projects across the enterprise
Open attitude to try new systems and new technologies in farming
Collaborative attitude towards breeding, entomology, and applied research customers, with the highest level of service

Competencies Important For This Role

Strong Leadership and Management skills
Excellent communication and reporting skills
Strong understanding of Lean principles
Performance-Driven Management
Project management skills
Budgeting and financial skills
Creative, innovative and result oriented team player

Compensation & Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Test Plot Manager: $45,000 to $60,000 GBP.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes, amongst others:

Health + Time Off

We care for the whole you. Strong health benefits and meaningful paid time off so you can focus on what matters most. 

Financial + Wellbeing

Plan your future with employer supported annual profit-sharing bonus, retirement or savings programs and wellbeing resources supported annually.

Community + Balance

Join a team that invests in your wellbeing and gives you time to give back. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life can get complicated and when it does, we offer extra help with our EAP.

Professional Growth

Driscoll's offers employees at all levels opportunities to acquire business, job-based, and leadership skills. It's a win-win combination. 

Note: Benefits and eligibility vary by location/role. Additional country-specific benefit information is currently being developed in our career site; details are provided during the application process.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo. Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro. Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.

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Research Farm Manager