Westland Horticulture is seeking a highly organised and proactive Trials Manager to coordinate and manage all trial activity across our divisions. This role will be based in Alconbury Hill, Cambridgeshire.

You will play a key role in designing, developing, and overseeing trials, working closely with external partners to ensure robust, cost-effective testing procedures and positive outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of horticultural innovation while building strong relationships with third-party testing organisations and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise experimental design to maximise trial efficacy and cost efficiency.
• Ensure testing objectives are clearly defined and agreed before commencement.
• Collate trial requests from across the Group and coordinate priorities with the Technical Director.
• Work with project/trial sponsors to define robust experimental design, clear deliverables, timescales, and budgets.
• Collaborate with in-house laboratories/testing stations to optimise capacity and manage workload distribution.
• Manage relationships with external partners such as N.I.A.B., S.T.R.I., and universities.
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure accurate, timely reporting and the application of learnings from each trial into future testing proposals.
• Host internal and external customer visits to trial sites.
• Oversee trials, including site visits across the UK/Ireland, ensuring both performance quality and value for money.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience managing testing in industry or academia preferred, but not essential.
• Scientific, horticultural, or agricultural knowledge advantageous.
• Ability to analyse, trend, and present data effectively.
• Full UK driving licence essential, with travel across the UK, including some overnight stays.
• Confident presenter with excellent organisational and prioritisation skills

Qualifications:

• A Levels or above in relevant subjects (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Statistics/Mathematics).
• Industry qualifications (e.g., BASIS, FACTS) beneficial.

Financial & Commercial Awareness:

• Ability to manage simple tendering processes for external work, comparing quotations and negotiating proposals (with guidance).
• Analyse experimental design internally and externally to ensure value for money.

Technical & IT Knowledge:

Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel.

What We Offer

Westland Horticulture is committed to innovation and excellence in the horticultural industry. As Trials Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects, collaborate with expert teams, and contribute to the growth and success of our business.