Research Farm Lead: Trials, Data & Team Growth

Driscoll's; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Profit-sharing bonus

Career growth

EAP

Job summary

Driscoll's in Maidstone, UK is seeking a Research & Development Test Plot Farm Manager. You will be a people-first leader building and guiding a technically skilled farm team to deliver high-quality trials and data that advance breeding and applied research.

You will translate innovation strategy into clear team priorities, develop talent, manage budgets, ensure safety and compliance, and collaborate with Breeding, Agronomy and Operations to scale new genetics and drive enterprise value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology or related field.
• 8+ years’ experience in horticulture/agriculture or 5+ years with a Master's.
• Proven leadership of teams in research, agriculture, or operations.
• Budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning experience.
• Experience with trial execution and data integrity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing research farm team.
• Align priorities with cross-functional partners to execute trials.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and data integrity in farming operations.
• Drive talent development and succession planning.
• Influence enterprise decisions through high-quality data and insights.

Skills

People Leadership

Communication

Performance Management

Strategic Thinking

Operational Excellence

Innovation Mindset

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture/Agriculture/Biology

Master’s degree in Horticulture/Agriculture/Biology

Job description

Driscoll's in Maidstone, UK is seeking a Research & Development Test Plot Farm Manager. You will be a people-first leader building and guiding a technically skilled farm team to deliver high-quality trials and data that advance breeding and applied research.

You will translate innovation strategy into clear team priorities, develop talent, manage budgets, ensure safety and compliance, and collaborate with Breeding, Agronomy and Operations to scale new genetics and drive enterprise value.