Download generic ahdb job description - Agriculture and Horticulture

AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
R&D Manager
Department
DairyCo Research and Development
Location
Stoneleigh
Remuneration
Competitive package
Line Manager (Job Title)
Head of Research and Development
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND JOB
Based at Stoneleigh, the Research and Development team consists of Head of R&D, two R&D
Managers, three Knowledge Transfer Product Managers (KT PM’s) and Senior Administrator.
The R&D team’s role is to ensure DairyCo can provide world class technical information and
knowledge transfer tools, for the benefit of GB dairy farming.
The primary purpose of this role is to manage a portfolio of existing research, provide the
technical lead in selected areas of research, and commission new research, whilst adhering
to in-house research management guidelines and procurement procedures.
The job holder will report to the Head of R&D.
DIMENSIONS: AUTHORITY LEVELS & DECISION MAKING
Budgetary responsibility:
To be confirmed
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/MAIN CONTACTS/CONTEXT
The team identifies research gaps and technical information needs in conjunction with the
DairyCo Research And Development Advisory Forum, feedback from the dairy farming industry,
and other DairyCo teams. Information is generated through a variety of methods (including
reviewing existing information, commissioning desk top studies, or undertaking new applied
research). An increasing number of projects are collaborative with other organizations, research
funders or sectors of AHDB.
The team provides written reports and other outputs to a team of 18 field-based Extension
Officers, regionally distributed throughout GB. Where appropriate, specific services and
products are developed through the KT Product Managers, to be delivered to dairy farmers by
the KT team, or other third party deliverers. Working closely with Marketing and
Communications, the team also ensures the DairyCo website is kept up to date and fit for
purpose, as the first point of reference for technical information on dairy farming.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Management of research projects

Provide a point of contact for contractors in providing advice and information about the
management and commissioning of DairyCo funded research

Ensure robust evaluation of project proposals, taking into account requirements and
priorities contained in the DairyCo R&D and KT Strategy document

Provide sound feedback to contractors during the development of ideas and proposals for
new projects

Explore opportunities for co-funding of DairyCo R&D projects

Identify synergies with AHDB sector research programmes and take advantage of
opportunities for cross sector collaboration

Prepare and present project proposals to go before the DairyCo Board

Ensure the economic evaluation of project benefits is fully integrated into new proposals

Contribute to the development and communication of DairyCo R&D strategy
Project management

Ensure delivery of value from DairyCo funded research by maintaining a clear
understanding of aims, milestones and deliverables

Ensure prudent tendering and financial management of projects in liaison with contractors,
DairyCo administration, AHDB procurement and finance department.
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
Contribute to the timely, thorough and coordinated monitoring and management of projects
across the programme

Contribute to the production, review and processing of annual, final and project
management reports

Keep accurate records of project activities and progress against milestones
Exploitation of research outputs


During tender preparation and at project initiation, clearly identify outputs expected
Work with KT Project managers to develop research results into a format appropriate to the
range of KT channels available

Liaise closely with DairyCo Marketing and Communications Department to devise focused
campaigns with clear measurable outcomes
Specialist expertise

Keep up to date with the latest developments in dairy science nationally and internationally

Liaise with all relevant stakeholders to understand the challenges facing the GB dairy sector

Provide inputs to DairyCo Image and Issues management
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KNOWLEDGE / EXPERTISE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science or a related discipline

Post-graduate research experience, preferably to PhD level

Knowledge of production, environmental, and animal health issues related to dairy
farming

Experience in the development, management and delivery of research
projects/programmes

Effective communication to a variety of audiences, both in verbal and written form.

Ability to build effective internal and external relationships.

Ability to work with modern communication systems and IT, especially with the MS
packages, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Experience in procuring services through a quotation / tendering process and complex
contract negotiation is desirable

As some travel will be involved, it is a requirement of the job that the job holder holds a
valid driving license.
OTHER ATTRIBUTES / KEY SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Results focused, quality driven, with a high level of attention to detail

An effective team player, willing to take on new challenges.

Adaptable, determined, rational thinker.

Innovative

Good communicator

Able to handle a diverse workload, and time pressures, calmly and effectively

A can do / will do attitude.

Empathy (preferably a passion) for the dairy industry
SIGNATURE (Postholder):
DATE:
SIGNATURE (Manager):
DATE:
Job descriptions will be reviewed periodically and changed if necessary to suit the needs of the
business
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