WHAT’S THE JOB? HEAD OF POTATOES EXPORT TRADE DEVELOPMENT

WHO’S THE EMPLOYER? A centrally funded organisation committed to investing and promoting UK food and farming

WHAT’S THE INDUSTRY? Potatoes - Market Development 

HOW WILL I BE REWARDED? Competitive salary and benefits

WHERE IS THE ROLE LOCATED? Scotland, UK

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ROLE? To develop and be responsible for the effective and economic execution of the Crops Export Business Plan. The role primarily manages and delivers potato export strategy through annual business plans which provide support for exporting levy payers. The role works with sector strategy director to ensure that business plans meet expectations of Boards and the International Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibility for the effective delivery of key overseas trade events funded by the Levy is also an important part of the role
• This role will work closely with the other sectors within the team, including red meat and dairy
• There is full budgetary responsibility for the export spend and responsibility to ensure that the levy is appropriate and value for money
• The role is required to provide expertise in production systems and plant health associated with domestic production and exports and to be the Levy expert in these areas
• The role leads on potato specific issues related to exports and the development of overseas markets
• Monitor performance ensuring that targets / KPI’s are achieved. Evaluate the effectiveness of activities to ensure their appropriateness and value for levy money
• Responsible for the office function in Edinburgh and management of the Office Coordinator and additional export team members
• Represent and provide intelligence for Potatoes Exports with UK based trade organisations on food & drink export matters such as Defra, Scottish Government, UKTI, FCO and industry bodies, as well as foreign governments, trade organisations and embassies
• Lead inward/outward trade missions
• Working with Industry Market Intelligence and other sources of information to develop and manage an information system regarding worldwide market data for relevant products, databases of exporters and importers, regular bulletins, sales leads and network of internet sites
• Develop Levy as the leading knowledge house for export issues in the potatoes sector
• Provide interactions across functions (technical, KE, Comms etc.) that facilitate best practice production for export
• Feed-in intelligence relative to competitor exporters
• Maintain relevant technical knowledge pertaining to the role 
• Advise potatoes exporters and develops their commercial and marketing capability
• May prepare papers for the relevant sector boards in conjunction with the Sector Strategy/International Directors and appear to present papers
• Identify, exploit and manage external funding opportunities
• Proactive engagement, current and potential export business and clear knowledge of global opportunities
• Industry credibility and act as advocate, provide thought leadership role on exports for potatoes

WHAT QUALITIES DO I NEED? 

• Knowledge of state aid rules would also be desirable
• Negotiation over technical matters is key and previous experience of international trade development for the sectors would be very desirable
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the potatoes sector and international trade
• Proven team player with management skills
• Experience in managing budgets
• Experience in planning and performance management
• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Effective influencer
• Ability to travel overseas and attend HQ regularly, with periods away from home

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

So, we have your attention and motivation? We would love to hear from you if you are keen to find out more. In the first instance, please forward your CV together with a cover note and salary requirements to phil@jptrett.com or call + 44 (0) 7887 712 133 and all successful candidates will be contacted within 14 days of us receiving your application. Please note that all applications will be treated with confidence.