Commercial Head of Research and Development – Field Trials – Yorkshire – Basic to £80,000 Bonus The Commercial Head of R&D – will be responsible for leading and shaping the strategic direction and quality of our research and development function. This leadership role will drive innovation in the development of sustainable, high-performance plant varieties, enhancing both agricultural productivity and amenity landscapes. The Head of R&D will collaborate closely with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners to define research priorities, allocate resources, and ensure the successful delivery of impactful breeding programs. Additionally, the role will require a strong focus on commercial strategy and business development to maximize the market potential of R&D innovations. The Job: Lead the development and execution of a long-term R&D strategy for breeding, focusing on sustainability, yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, breeders, and technical staff to deliver cutting-edge breeding solutions, led by a R&D Manager. Analyse and report on large-scale field trials, manage complex datasets, and ensure the scientific rigor of all research projects. Drive innovation by exploring and implementing advanced breeding technologies, plant genetics, and biotechnology to achieve high-impact results. Foster collaboration with agronomists, product development teams, and external partners to align R&D efforts with market needs, ensuring a strong link between scientific advancements and commercial viability. Champion a commercial mindset within the R&D team, identifying new business opportunities, market trends, and pathways to accelerate the translation of R&D innovations into profitable products. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, industry stakeholders, and potential partners to expand business development opportunities. Communicate research outcomes to stakeholders, preparing detailed reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations to inform business decisions and product development. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, and environmental responsibility in R&D practices. The Candidate: Min BSc in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field. Extensive experience in crop trails or breeding. Deep understanding of advanced breeding methodologies. Expertise in project management, data analysis, and the translation of scientific research into practical, market-driven solutions. Commercial acumen with a strong ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities, manage budgets, and drive profitability from R&D investments. Proven ability to build relationships, negotiate partnerships, and expand market reach for new innovations. A passion for sustainability and environmental considerations in breeding practices, with the ability to balance innovation and ecological responsibility. Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader with both scientific expertise and commercial insight to make a significant impact on the future of breeding and trials, driving forward innovation, sustainability, and business growth in agriculture and amenity landscapes. The Package: Basic Salary to £80,000 DOE Bonus Excellent Benefits Package Please email your CV to Claire Morgan Global Recruitment Managing Director, ClaireagriRS.co.uk. Keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities from Agricultural Recruitment Specialists® by registering on our website: www.agriRS.com and following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. As a leading and esteemed recruitment agency specialising in the agriculture, food, horticulture, equestrian, animal health and rural sectors, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists® prioritise roles across sales, management, marketing, operations and technical and engineering fields, including international and senior-level positions within our specialised sectors. Our suite of services encompasses bespoke recruitment solutions, executive search, candidate profiling, knowledge sharing, targeted advertising and comprehensive recruitment support. To discover how we can assist in advancing your career or meeting your recruitment needs, please visit www.agriRS.com or contact our recruitment team on 01905 345 155 or on our international number: 0044 1905 345 155. We are renowned for connecting the finest talent throughout the world with the best brands and organisations.