Chief Executive Officer

Our Client

NIAB is the UK’s fastest growing crop science organisation. Based in Cambridge and East Malling, Kent, with field stations throughout England, NIAB employs around 400 people and provides research findings, scientific services and technical advice to a diverse customer base that includes Government departments, research councils, levy bodies, farmers, charitable trusts and the agri-food industry.

Given NIAB’s global reputation, strong executive team, diverse interests across multiple sectors and the changing landscape of UK agriculture and horticulture, this is a very exciting time to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leading the business and working with a Board committed to profitable and sustainable growth.

The Opportunity

The CEO will serve as an effective NIAB ambassador to the agriculture and horticulture community, developing innovative new partnerships in the public, private, and not for profit sectors. The role will lead NIAB through the development and implementation of long-term strategic and medium-term plans, setting policy and ensuring the financial and operational efficiencies are in place to deliver world leading innovation to the sector.

The CEO will lead NIAB to help address the challenges of climate change, influence post-Brexit policy development, and maximise the opportunities in NIAB’s expanding expertise in agricultural and horticultural research including the Crop Science Centre, the partnership with Cambridge University. S/he will work to actively commercialise research outcomes, converting world leading research into industry benefits for consumers and producers worldwide.

The Candidate

NIAB are seeking a commercially shrewd, knowledgeable, entrepreneurial, dynamic, and inspirational leader who has the strategic vision and management competence to lead the organisation through the next phase of growth.  The ideal candidate will have an international reputation in a relevant sector of agricultural or horticultural science and demonstrate a capacity to drive a commercial agenda whilst leading, inspiring and managing continuous change in a multi-disciplinary environment that fosters teamwork and a culture of scientific excellence.

Candidates will have experience of working in a leadership role with a strong emphasis on the commercialisation of science, and be able to demonstrate strong financial acumen, outstanding business development skills, and evidence of influencing policy development. A PhD or equivalent with 10+ years research experience in the agricultural or horticultural sciences is required.  Above all, candidates will be passionate about continuing the positive impact NIAB has in the industry and be excited to lead this organisation with its internationally recognised reputation for independence, innovation and integrity.

For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Darren Houghton at Eden Search & Select on 020 3795 7735 or info@edensearch.co.uk. Eden Search & Select are managing all applications on behalf of NIAB.