Greenvale Seed – Manager Featured

Greenvale Seed – Manager

Greenvale Seed is a major grower and supplier of seed potatoes.

Greenvale Seed is part of Greenvale, one of the UK’s leading potato growers and packers, employing c450 people across our 2 packing sites in Cambridgeshire and the Scottish Borders and with a throughput of c300,000 tonnes of potatoes annually through our packing, growing, seed and trading operations.

Based in the major seed potato growing area of the UK at Burrelton, near Perth in Scotland and with a presence in both Norfolk and Yorkshire; we produce high quality Scottish and English seed to cater for every customer’s requirement.

We are unique in having our very own dedicated seed sales team which has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the growing, storing and marketing of seed crops. Our thriving seed potato business retails over 36,000 tonnes each year to both UK and overseas potato growers.

We grow and supply quality seed potatoes in the UK and abroad and supply both our own grown exclusive varieties as well as free varieties. 22,000 tonnes of the 36,000 tonnes of seed potatoes that we sell are contract grown over 750 hectares of land.

With a successful track record of delivering new potato varieties meeting the needs of consumers, retailers, growers and the environment, we continue to invest in the latest ‘blue sky’ research, developing beneficial technologies for our grower base, customers and consumers.

We have strong relationships with seed producers across Europe and work with the best seed growers who have generations of experience. Our high-quality seed is grown in Scottish soil, low in aphids and a safe haven from diseases that affect other European countries.

We are proud of our relationships with seed breeding companies across Europe. Including:

• James Hutton Institute
• Meijer
• HZPC
• Agrico
• Cullen Allen

Our technical back up is second to none – with a dedicated seed team we provide nationwide, year-round agronomy expertise through another arm of Greenvale, Produce Solutions, to ensure our customers grow a profitable crop.

We have a vacancy for a Seed Manager, based at our Burrelton office.  As part of an experienced and committed team, you will gain experience across the Seed business to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to assume the role of Seed Manager.

As Seed Manager, you will have the following core responsibilities;

• Building a strong presence on farm working with our Scottish seed supply base on all areas of seed potato production from crop inspections to sampling in store and contract discussions.
• Working alongside the sales team you will be responsible for the selection of specific seed stocks for key customers in both the UK and export countries.
• Ensuring chosen seed stocks are graded at the correct time and to the correct quality for each customer’s requirements.
• Servicing a well-established customer base and learn selling skills from some of the best in the business.
• Working with other members of the technical team throughout the year on various ongoing crop improvement projects.

Our ideal candidate will have the following;

• An agricultural/land-based focused degree.
• A willingness to learn and assume greater responsibility – and the benefits that come with this.
• A commercial acumen.
• Previous experience of working with potatoes or other field crops is desirable but not essential.
• A knowledge of the farming community and a connection with rural affairs.
• The ability to plan and execute your own working week whilst working either on your own or as part of a larger team.
• Good organisation, communication and computer skills are required.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• A passport and a willingness to travel.

In return we will offer;

• A competitive salary.
• A company vehicle.
• A benefits package including the following;
  • 32 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays), increasing with service.
  • A salary sacrifice* Pension Scheme
  • A salary sacrifice* Electric Vehicle Scheme
  • Income Protection
  • Life Assurance
  • Company Bonus Scheme
• A good work-life balance
• The opportunity to live and work in a beautiful part of the UK (1 hour from Edinburgh, 1.5 hours from Glasgow, 1.5 hours from the Highlands)
• The opportunity for professional development.
• The opportunity for progression with the Seed business and/or the wider Greenvale business.

*tax efficient

If you’d like to apply for this post, please email andy.ferguson@greenvale.co.uk with your CV.  Closing date is Friday 31^st May.