NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With almost 90 years’ experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.

Led by NIAB, Growing Kent & Medway (GKM) is a world-class research, innovation and enterprise cluster supporting growth in technology-driven horticulture, fresh produce packaging, food and drink processing and its supply chains. GKM is a diverse and dynamic collaboration that brings together innovative growers and processors, scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs to deliver a shared goal of improving productivity and sustainability in the sector.

Our unique geography means we are home to most of the UK’s high-value horticultural production, packaging and processing, and a major gateway to global markets. We are building on Kent and Medway’s established reputation and industry base to make this region one of the most dynamic, competitive and successful horticultural and Agri-tech locations in the World.

We wish to appoint an Innovation Growth Manager to work as part of the ‘Growing Kent and Medway’ team. In this role, you will deliver an active and strategic business development function for the ‘Growing Kent and Medway’ innovation cluster, funded through the UKRI Strength in places fund.

If successful, you will be responsible for identifying and supporting ambitious businesses / entrepreneurs that could benefit from GKM support to exploit regional, national and global opportunities across the horticulture and food & drink sectors. Engaging with businesses to facilitate access to innovation, research expertise and facilities, you will provide bespoke support to businesses in the development and delivery of innovation grant applications.

You must be educated to degree level and have scientific / technical expertise in horticultural crop production and fresh produce innovation. The ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the horticultural innovation landscape together with the capability to access and understand funding opportunities through GKM and other providers is essential.

You will have the ability to inspire, motivate and build trusted relationships with businesses and researchers, and have the skills and experience to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team. Experience in developing research consortia and innovation partnerships, along with competitive bid development is highly desirable.

As you will undertake work at other sites, which includes remote locations, you will need to hold a full driving license or have access to independent means of transport.

This post is fixed term for three years. The salary is in the range of £38,292 to £50,527 per annum, dependent on skills, experience and qualifications.

Further details and an application form are available at: www.niab.com/careers or from the HR Office, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ. Tel: 01733 523791. Email: jobs@niab.com

Please quote the job reference on your application.

Closing date: 15 September 2021