Head of Plant Health Science
| Posting date: | 13 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £56,375 to £69,105 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National £56,375 - £62,830 London £62,000 - £69,105 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 November 2025 |
| Location: | Winchester |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 437203/11 |
Summary
We have one mission, which is to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of everyone in society, the environment, and the economy. Every one of our employees is passionate about achieving this mission.
Responding to the government’s mission for kickstarting economic growth, this role has been created to capitalise on the UK’s excellence in plant science and translate this into commercial success for the environmental horticulture sector. This sector is facing a number of interrelated challenges including increasing pest and disease risks, reductions in pesticide use and the use of alternative growing media.
The successful applicant will need to be able to think strategically about how to harness the power of research and innovation to address these collective challenges and drive increases in biosecurity, domestic productivity and trade.
The role will scope out, pilot and deliver new science models which aim to build research and diagnostic capability at a national level, and translate research findings into practice through technical training and public engagement. To deliver this ambition, they will need to work in close collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), as well as build successful relationships with the trade, research and harness the technical capabilities of other organisations across government, academia and the ornamental and amenity horticulture sector.
There will be an expectation for frequent travel to RHS Wisley, Weybridge and other locations for regular meetings.
The role covers six main areas, components of which are described below:
Leadership and Management:
- Provide strategic leadership, governance and direction for delivery, working with partners including the RHS and APHA to implement operational plans and management frameworks.
- Manage and develop budget to ensure financial resourcing is transparent and allocated effectively.
Governance and Reporting:
- Report to Defra and other bodies on progress, challenges, and achievements.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
Research and Innovation:
- Oversee development and execution of research programmes, including internships, MSc and PhD projects.
- Foster innovation and collaboration in diagnostics and biosecurity with and between academic, industry and government partners.
- Investigate and manage public and private grants, including strategising and writing funding proposals and reports.
Public Engagement and Collaboration:
- Work with partners to enhance public awareness and build collaboration with stakeholders, including gardeners, industry professionals and regulatory bodies.
- Represent and raise awareness of objectives and outputs associated with the post at industry, government, and sector events.
Training and Skills Development:
- Establish and deliver with partners training to develop current and future practitioners and best practice for UK biosecurity, plant health and horticulture.
Diagnostics and Monitoring:
- Identify and help facilitate improvements to the UK's Plant health diagnostic capabilities by identifying and helping to mitigate known and future threats.
- Implement monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness and impact of work undertaken linked to the role
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