Assistant Trials Manager

| Location: Newmarket, Suffolk | Closing date : 15/09/18 | Sector: Horticultural Specialist, Growing | Seniority: Management | Full time, Permanent | Salary: £20k - £25k

Mr Fothergill's Seeds is looking for an Assistant Trials Manager with hands on growing experience to grow and maintain our trial field with the support of our Trials Manager and Trials Assistant. 

Mr Fothergill's is the UK's largest seed packet company, supplying the home gardener in the UK and overseas.  We are committed to supplying quality products and our trial grounds are an important part in assessing seed stocks and new varieties.

The Assistant Trials Manager will support the company quality control procedure by assisting with all aspects of growing/planting, maintaining our trial and providing horticultural support to the company.  You’ll need to be prepared to get your hands dirty and get involved in every aspect of running the trials across our full range of flowers and vegetable seeds.  During the summer months we hold several open days for trade customers, suppliers and press contacts offering a great opportunity to showcase your work, so great communication skills are essential.

Key duties/responsibilities:

Ensure quality of seed by regular trialling / testing

Assist with planning, growing and maintaining the trial field

Assist with evaluation of stock lines and comparisons and provide reports on an ongoing basis

Assist marketing teams with set up and management of specific trials and any photography required

Take part in open days for customers, suppliers and press contacts

To support the wider company with horticultural queries and information as requested

Special Requirements:

Weekend watering cover will be required during the summer months on a rota basis

Hours will vary through the year with the emphasis on spring/summer working and shorter winter hours

Spray Operator Certificate of Competence would be useful but training could be arranged

Who are we looking for?

Horticultural qualification with minimum 2 years’ practical experience

Passion for horticulture

Practical experience of growing a range of plants from seed

Excellent communication skills

Good attention to detail

IT skills including Word and Excel

Full driving licence