Agronomy Team Leader and Test Facility Manager

Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd; Cawood; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd, based in Cawood near Selby, North Yorkshire, seeks an experienced horticulturist to lead the Agronomy team and become the Test Facility Manager for GLP. You will manage a small team of Study Directors/Project Managers, ensure delivery of plant trials, liaise with clients, manage staff, and uphold STC’s high standards across GLP-compliant testing facilities.

You will oversee budgets, deadlines and data interpretation, while mentoring staff and exploring new

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience managing R&D or applied research projects.
• Industry experience and connections with horticultural supply businesses.
• Knowledge of GLP or willingness to learn.
• Experience of line management and budget management.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines accurately.
• Excellent written and analytical skills, including report writing and data interpretation.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities within the industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver commercial R&D projects across protected and outdoor horticultural crops.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong commercial relationships.
• Take on the role of site Test Facility Manager for GLP.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Study Directors/Project Managers.
• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and technical quality.
• Review, interpret, and present trial data and reports to clients.
• Identify opportunities for new services and business growth.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Client liaison

Budget management

Team leadership

Project management

Data interpretation

Report writing

Education

Degree in Horticulture or equivalent

Equivalent industry experience

Job description

Location: Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd (STC), Cawood, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 3TZ

Salary: Dependent on experiece

About Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC)

Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd is a leading applied research and development facility serving the UK horticulture and arable sectors. Our state-of-the-art facilities include glasshouses, poly-tunnels, a vertical farming unit, and 75 hectares of Grade 2 land for outdoor trials and demonstrations.

STC provides high-quality, independent research services to commercial clients, supporting product testing and development, compost and nutrition trials, and initiatives that improve the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of UK agriculture and horticulture.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced horticulturist to lead our Agronomy team and to take on the role of Test Facility Manager for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) at STC.

As lead Agronomist, you will manage a small team of Study Directors/Project Managers to ensure delivery of a diverse portfolio of plant trials across glasshouse and outdoor crops. You will be responsible for client liaison, project delivery, staff management, and maintaining the high standards that underpin STC’s reputation.

As Test Facility Manager for GLP, you will be responsible for the overall organisation, infrastructure and regulatory compliance of the testing facility. There will be training provided for this role, but experience is desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver commercial R&D projects across protected and outdoor horticultural crops
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong commercial relationships
• Take on the role of site Test Facility Manager for GLP
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Study Directors/Project Managers
• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and technical quality
• Review, interpret, and present trial data and reports to clients
• Identify opportunities for new services and business growth

Requirements

• Degree in Horticulture or equivalent industry experience with strong technical knowledge
• Proven experience managing R&D or applied research projects
• Industry experience and connections with horticultural supply businesses
• Knowledge of GLP or willingness to learn
• Experience of line management and budget management
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines accurately
• Excellent written and analytical skills, including report writing and data interpretation
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities within the industry