Location: Field Based

There comes a point in a senior technical career where the challenge is no longer about running trials; it's about shaping how trials are done, why they matter, and how they genuinely influence commercial decisions at scale. This role exists for that reason.

A government funded public private entity is looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of Trials & Validation to take ownership of its UK-wide trials, validation and data operations.

The purpose is simple but critical: generate trusted, real world evidence that helps new technologies move from the research and development phase to commercial adoption.

This is a key leadership role at the helm of the Test, Trial & Demonstration management team. This is not a role focused on academic proof or small-scale experimentation. The emphasis is on commercially representative trials, delivered in real operating environments, producing data that farmers, investors, regulators and supply chains can trust.

Key Aims:

• Set national standards for how trials and validation are designed and delivered
•  Influence how emerging technologies are proven, de risked and scaled
•  Lead and develop teams whose work directly affects commercial outcomes
•  Operate at the interface between innovation, agriculture and industry

The role will suit someone with a strong background in agricultural trials, applied R&D or validation environments. You will have broad knowledge across all sectors of agriculture, excellent team leadership abilities and be confident in public facing communications.

Those passionate about the future of agri-tech will have the chance to ensure the next generation of Ag-Tech products will shape the future of food production are encouraged to apply.

Role Responsibilities:

•  Be the lead on all trials, validation and data delivery activity
•  Develop and strengthen UK-wide testbed capability, operational frameworks and data systems
•  Ensure trials deliver robust, commercially representative performance data
•  Set standards for data quality, evidence generation and reporting
•  Manage two direct reports responsible for different sectors
•  Build, mentor and lead a high performing, geographically distributed team
•  Generate trusted data and evidence to support agri-tech adoption and business growth
•  Manage budgets, forecasting, resources and departmental capability
•  Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations
•  Work collaboratively with internal teams to achieve business KPIs and programme outcomes
•  Build strong relationships with farmers, growers, innovators and supply chain partners
•  Represent the organisation with external stakeholders, boards and industry groups
•  Support continuous improvement across the wider test, trial and demonstration function

About you:

This role will suit someone who understands that credibility in trials comes from discipline, relevance and consistency, not volume alone.

•  5+ years' leadership experience in trials, validation or applied R&D environments
•  Strong understanding of agricultural trials and evidence generation
•  Track record of building experienced and multidisciplinary teams
•  Commercial awareness with the ability to align trials activity to market and customer needs
•  Advanced stakeholder management skills and commercial awareness
•  Experience embedding operational processes, standards and frameworks
•  Strong knowledge of agricultural, animal health, crop health and environmental regulatory frameworks
•  Excellent communication and organisational ability
•  Able to prioritise workloads and make effective decisions at pace
•  The confidence to challenge, influence and lead at senior level
•  Full UK driving licence, willingness to travel and stay away regularly

Project management experience and a degree in agriculture or a related discipline are advantageous, but not essential if matched by equivalent commercial experience in the agri-tech sector.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a leading public organisation at the forefront of UK agricultural innovation.

You will play a central role in shaping how emerging agri-tech is tested, validated and commercialised across the sector, helping innovative businesses generate the evidence needed to scale successfully.

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION