Trial & Validation Lead - Crop

Are you an experienced crop trials professional looking for a role with real sector impact?

A government-funded public private organisation is looking for a commercially minded Trials & Validation Lead to take ownership of crop testing activity within its Test, Trial & Demonstration function.

The organisation works closely with innovative businesses, growers and research partners to help new technologies move from concept into commercial agriculture.

This is a practical leadership role with real impact in the sector. You will plan and oversee crop trials from design through to delivery. Each trial must be specifically designed to specifically test the product or practise in question. You will ensure data is robust, commercially relevant and useful to growers and agri-tech businesses alike.

The organisation is built around strong values including integrity, accountability, innovation, collaboration and real-world impact.

The Role

This role sits between innovation and adoption. Good ideas only matter if they work in the field. This requires good evidence of success which is produced by accurate trials, consistent protocols, reliable data and practical outcomes.

You will lead crop trials across a range of farming systems and environments.

This will include work around:

Soil nutrition and soil health

Precision farming technology

Biological products and crop inputs

Sustainable growing systems

Water management

Crop resilience and yield improvement

The focus is trial quality, relevant evidence, commercial outcomes and farmer confidence.

Responsibilities:

Lead crop trial and validation activity across the organisation

Manage Trials & Validation Coordinators and support team development

Act as the key contact for agri-tech businesses, growers and supply chain partners

Ensure trials are scientifically robust and commercially representative

Coordinate field trial sites across varying soil types and growing conditions

Maintain high standards in protocols, data quality and reporting

Ensure trials reflect real farming environments and commercial practice

Oversee delivery against timelines, budgets and programme KPIs

Develop and improve crop trial platforms and testbed capability

Support trials linked to soil nutrition, crop establishment and sustainable production systems

Build relationships with growers, agronomists and early adopters

Work closely with internal teams, research partners and external stakeholders

Produce clear reporting for leadership teams, boards and funding bodies

Drive continuous improvement across trial systems and delivery standards

You Will Bring:

You will understand that good evidence comes from discipline and consistency, not simply activity.

Strong technical experience within crop production systems

A background in trials, validation or applied agricultural R&D

Experience managing people and coordinating delivery through teams

Knowledge of crop agronomy and soil management principles

Experience working across multiple trial sites and programmes

Excellent stakeholder management skills

The ability to assess data critically and communicate findings clearly

A practical and delivery-focused mindset

A degree in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy or a related subject, or equivalent industry experience

A full UK driving licence

Desirable:

Experience with precision agriculture technology

Knowledge of regenerative farming or soil health systems

Experience working alongside data or modelling teams

Exposure to government, research or industry bodies

Project management experience

The Opportunity

This is an important position within the Test, Trial & Demonstration team.

You will influence how crop technologies are tested, validated and proven before commercial adoption.

Your work will help shape future farming systems across UK agriculture.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful work with long term impact across the sector.

To apply:

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Rupert Kettle on: Office 01885 485523 or e-mail your CV and covering letter to rupert.kettle@delacyexecutive.co.uk

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