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We are currently looking for a Research and Development Manager
Purpose of the Role
To apply observational and quantitative methods to enhance the consumer experience in purchasing horticultural products, especially cut flowers. The role focuses on developing innovative agronomic and post-harvest solutions to industry challenges, while identifying opportunities to differentiate the business through data-driven consultancy and testing services.
Core Business Responsibilities
- Design or approve all project experiments conducted within APEX
- Ensure standardized methodologies and daily data collection (364 days/year)
- Maintain accuracy and integrity of data systems/databases
- Oversee team and facility operations in line with client expectations and quality standards
- Lead performance management, training, and development for APEX staff
- Identify and implement beneficial technologies and practices through research findings
- Prepare timely and accurate reports, presenting data and insights to internal and external clients
- Build and sustain strong academic collaborations; stay current with scientific advancements
Person Profile
Critical Success Factors
- Timely and efficient delivery of pre-determined projects and trials
- Effective management of departmental operations (staff, H&S, costs, quality)
- Recognition in the industry for independence, quality, and timeliness of research
- Clear and confident communication of key findings to a wide range of stakeholders
- Creation of novel, effective solutions to persistent industry problems
Qualifications
- Minimum: BSc Degree (preferably in Biological Sciences)
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Strong IT skills with extensive Microsoft Office experience
- Proficient in statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, Minitab)
Skills & Experience
- Experience in the horticultural and/or retail industry (advantageous)
- Knowledge of plant breeding, production, and post-harvest processes
- Familiarity with plant biology and physiology
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organisational abilities
Attributes
- Passion for horticulture and customer-centric mindset
- Strong commercial and scientific acumen
- Ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels
- Pragmatic thinker with high attention to detail
- Flexibility to meet work schedule demands, including travel (sometimes short notice)
So, what’s the package? When you work at MM Flowers you get more than just a salary.
- Holiday allowances are calculated on the days worked and you can find your allowance in your offer letter.
- Pension Scheme - You will be auto-enrolled onto the company pension scheme after 3 months. At present we operate an auto enrolment scheme where you will benefit from contributions from us.
- Onsite Parking – free parking is available onsite.
- Recommend a Friend Scheme – £250 is payable to you when you recommend a friend who is successful through the application process and successfully completes their 3-month probationary period.
- Career Progression – we actively encourage employees from within the business to consider roles which become available and whether that be within their field or want to consider a cross functional move.
- Wonderful working environment– we are all working in a modern contemporary purpose-built State of the Art facility.
- We are committed to an open ethical and fair working environment and have a Whistleblowing Policy in place to ensure complaints and concerns are handled appropriately.
- We work with an Occupational Health provider to support employees both mentally and physically.
- We run corporate engagement initiatives throughout the year.
- We gather employee feedback annually to see how we can improve the employee experience.
- Grocery Aid
What are you waiting for, we would love to hear from you.
If this position doesn’t match your experience but you love the sound of MM Flowers we welcome speculative applicants, please forward your cv and a covering letter about the type of role or function you are interested in being considered for.
MM Flowers are a proud equal opportunity employer, and we understand the benefits of nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, genetic information. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to complete the job role advertised are encouraged to apply.
We believe we can only achieve our potential if we employ a diverse population of people, ideas, and perspectives. We are committed to grow our workplace culture, encouraging team members to feel unique valued and engaged, enabling them to achieve their full potential.
All recruitment activities go through our internal Talent Acquisition Team and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to MM Flowers employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.
