AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title Department Location Line Manager (Job Title) Strategic Research/Knowledge Exchange Team Leader HDC Stoneleigh Head of R&D BACKGROUND The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), based at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, seeks to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the main agriculture and horticulture sectors across the UK. Its work is entirely funded via statutory levies collected directly from the industry. HDC (Horticultural Development Company), the horticultural division of AHDB, is the leading commissioner of applied research for the commercial horticulture industry in the UK. We are seeking to strengthen significantly our ability to deliver to the horticulture industry by recruiting a highly motivated individual to contribute to the technical development, management and delivery (via our contractor base) of our strategic research and knowledge exchange programme. Leading a functional team, you will be expected to provide your team with the direction to scope, develop and manage a portfolio of research and knowledge exchange work focusing on Resource Utilisation across the different crop sectors in UK horticulture. The role requires extensive liaison with the commercial horticulture industry and with our applied research contractors. Close liaison with all HDC colleagues, and with colleagues in the wider AHDB is essential. Qualified to at least degree level, you will ideally have in depth experience of the horticulture industry and/or applied science providers in the UK, knowledge of the funding landscape for UK crop science research, and a track record of managing technical projects from inception to completion including delivery. Experience may also have been gained from knowledge exchange or consulting activities. This post requires a particularly high-calibre individual with extensive project development and management experience to drive through the implementation and delivery of our Resource Utilisation strategic research programme. Specific research areas include but will not be limited to soils, water, nutrients, precision delivery, mechanization, energy and post-harvest activities. It would be useful for the applicant to have a strong background in the development of mechanization and precision applications and at least one of the other areas. This programme will account for a significant proportion of our research spend and is a key component of HDC s future development. If you are motivated by interpreting and putting applied science into practice for the benefit of the UK commercial horticulture industry, are up to the task of leading a team of like-minded individuals and enjoy the challenge of dealing with a wide range of people and organisations from scientists to growers, then this in the environment for you. For more information on HDC, go to

2 MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND JOB The Horticulture Division (HDC) supports the Horticulture industry. Its targets and objectives are as set out in the AHDB Corporate Plan and in the HDC Divisional Plan (both available on the AHDB website at The key functions of the Strategic Research/Knowledge Exchange Team Leader role are: Provide the strategic lead for HDC for Resource Utilisation Research Programme by scoping, commissioning and project managing the delivery of components of the HDC strategic research and knowledge exchange programme across Horticulture and within crop sector(s). Liaison with other research funders, research contractors, grower associations and other industry stakeholders as required to ensure that industry needs are identified and evaluated within the context of the HDC Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy, and carried forward into strategic research priority documents. Contributing to the development and delivery of HDC s strategic work programme as described in the HDC Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy, including the identification and technical evaluation of external and internal research relevant to levy payers. In conjunction with other HDC staff, help ensure that the key messages arising from the research programme are identified and effectively communicated to levy payers to deliver measureable impact to the industry. Provide technical support across all HDC crop sector Panels as required. Line management of staff. Support the Director of Horticulture and the Chair of HDC with associated activities. DIMENSIONS: AUTHORITY LEVELS & DECISION MAKING The post holder will be an integral member of the HDC Research Team and will be specifically responsible for managing day-today aspects of HDC s strategic research programme. Budgetary responsibility: Manage the strategic research budgets as allocated by the Director of Horticulture and the Head of R & D. 2

3 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/MAIN CONTACTS/CONTEXT As the HDC Team is small, the post-holder will be required to be flexible in terms of their specific areas of responsibility which will need to be evolved from time to time to meet the changing needs of the horticultural industry. In any event, regular effective relationships with the following are critical: Internal HDC Chairman Director of HDC Head of R & D HDC Business Development Manager HDC Head of Communications & Knowledge Exchange Other HDC research/knowledge exchange/communications staff, particularly other technical Team Leaders. HDC Crop Protection minor uses staff. HDC Administrative staff AHDB Chief Scientist Other AHDB colleagues as required External Levy payers Researchers, Agronomists and Consultants HDC Panel Chairs and other HDC Board members Trade and Grower Associations Trade Press HDC News contractor Government and UK research council policy makers International research organisations KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and manage strategic research and knowledge exchange programmes, normally let by tender, on issues that cover the breadth of horticulture (by definition these are not crop specific), as directed by the HDC Research and Knowledge Exchange strategy. This is a key new element to ensuring that HDC funded work addresses the new over-arching challenges (e.g. crop protection, energy use, climate change, water use, soils/growing media) facing the industry, thus helping to ensure greater resilience. Evaluate the needs and challenges of defined horticultural sectors, and use this knowledge, within the boundaries of the HDC Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy, to inform the production of Strategic Priority documents. This to be done in consultation with growers on our own sector Panels, external crop associations, individual levy payers, crop agronomists and any other relevant stakeholders. Provide informed advice on the scope of possible approaches to address broad horticultural and sector priorities, and specify options for development. This includes reviewing past research to identify whether new work needs to be commissioned or whether appropriate knowledge exchange activity is a suitable outcome. Liaise with prospective research contractors, prospective co-funders and representative grower organisations to produce acceptable tender documents, project concept notes and proposals on priority areas for presentation to the board or designated sector panel(s). Projects may be procured either by an open call or let by tender. Arrange for researcher contact with prospective project grower coordinators and/or grower steering groups from the grower panels or other grower groups. This facilitation of the relationship between growers on the front line and researchers is a 3

4 key role. Working with the HDC Business Development Manager to identify co-funding opportunities for specific projects. Ensure the smooth running of the projects by periodic liaison with the research leaders, and project coordinators, careful checking of the annual and final reports, and arranging project or topic review meetings with the scientists, coordinators and relevant growers. Evaluate the effectiveness of the research and knowledge exchange in completed projects and provide advice on and promote subsequent actions, particularly for generating messages that can be promulgated to industry for the benefit of levy payers via our Communications Team. Identify best practice in the industry, or new innovative practice developed elsewhere in the World, and work with our Communications Team to develop ways of delivering this effectively to our levy payers. Establish and maintain two-way contact with growers directly and via technical agronomists through participation in grower association technical/r&d committees, grower visits and special presentations to help ensure that HDC-funded work has positive impact on the industry. As part of the HDC Team, contribute to improving the operational efficiency of HDC s operational functions and processes. Maintain and update your scientific and technical knowledge and understanding by monitoring scientific journals and attending occasional scientific meetings to supplement information gained from project review meetings. Undertake such other duties as may arise occasionally as requested by or in consultation with the Head of Horticulture and/or Chairman. 4

5 KNOWLEDGE / EXPERTISE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A B.Sc. and preferably a higher degree in horticulture, plant science or a closely related agricultural subject, with associated project management skills. Knowledge of, or experience in the horticultural industry and/or in applied agricultural/horticultural research. Personal attributes include: excellent verbal and written communication skills, tact, diplomacy, sense of humour, ability to work to deadlines, under pressure and both independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with commonly used computer software packages, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. Full driving licence. OTHER ATTRIBUTES / KEY SKILLS/COMPETENCIES AHDB works around a set of competencies related to interpersonal, technical and delivery skills. The core competencies (which all AHDB staff require) are: Interpersonal: Communication Team player Responsive to change Technical Role-enabling expertise Self-development Quality ownership Delivery Customer focussed Planning and organising Operational performance The functional competencies specific to this role are: Interpersonal: Technical Influencing & negotiating Analytical working Facilitation skills Media literacy Partnership working Creative/innovative working Creating/inspiring Commission/evaluate research commitment Knowledge exchange/communications Identify/instigate research Delivery Continuous improvement Project Management Financial management Presentation skills Contract management Key account management Process management Written communications 5

6 SIGNATURE (Post holder): SIGNATURE (Manager): DATE: DATE: 6