Knowledge Exchange Manager (Horticulture)

Role: Trainee Knowledge Exchange Manager Horticulture - Band: D Function: Knowledge Exchange Banding descriptor: Specialist roles that are qualified in their field/s of expertise or qualified by evidenced experience. These roles will be able to contribute and input into new knowledge exchange polices / approaches or design its content. They will be expected to resolve issues and provide solutions. These roles will include supervisory/team leader responsibilities. With or without budgetary responsibility. Contribution to Corporate Business Plan: Contributing and developing Role purpose: To be responsible for the effective and efficient execution of Technical and Knowledge Exchange elements of the Sector strategy. Contributing to a world-class knowledge exchange and delivery service to Horticulture producers through key operational and business plan targets in support of the Sector and AHDB strategy. Key Responsibilities when trained:                    

Contribute technical input to activities covering Knowledge Transfer (KT) and Knowledge Exchange (KE) within a sector. Provide operational and line management of KT staff within the sector team where appropriate. Develop the sector KT/KE activity, campaigns and materials within budget and provide accurate and appropriate reporting information to the Head of KE as required. Ensure effective monitoring of the KPI’s for the technical and KE activity to that sector. Work with the Head of KE to ensure the delivery and evaluation of KE activity, campaigns and materials to enhance effectiveness and to ensure specified Sector outcomes are delivered. Contribute to reviews of specific knowledge exchange/stakeholder communication activities, products and services and recommend actions to enhance effectiveness where appropriate. Contribute to and ensure a successful link between research and technical /KE functions for the sector to positively deliver the sector priorities and KE requirements. Ensure the KE team is integrated across the wider KE and research function contributing technical insight to positively deliver the sector priorities and KE requirements. Follow AHDB guidelines to create and deliver levy payer facing activity, materials, tools and messages to deliver benefits for a given sector. Positively embrace cross sector working opportunities to ensure efficiencies and sharing of best practice are delivered. Develop proactive feedback mechanisms from levy payer KE facing activity which feed into AHDB technical priorities and strategy. Ensure the KE team contributes to the clear communication of the benefits of AHDB work to the industry, liaising with others across the sector team and AHDB as appropriate. Be a point of contact for the sector with internal and external stakeholders / professionals and media for matters relating to the KE and technical area of activity. Support the Head of KE with an understanding of the industry landscape and its technical challenges. Where directed by the Head of KE provide industry representation e.g. to Defra committees, industry groups. Where directed by the Head of KE contribute to stakeholder / supply chain engagement on technical issues at a national level and to regional activity with stakeholders via the knowledge exchange teams. Develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external research / technical / knowledge transfer and associated stakeholders / professionals. Take an active and constructive role in Sector KE management meetings and wider AHDB staff meetings as appropriate Write and deliver KE and technical information to promote sector and AHDB products and services. Contribute to the development of the Sector KE business plan.

Additional Job Specific Responsibilities: 

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To scope, commission and project manage the delivery of components of the AHDB Horticulture research and knowledge exchange programme within designated crop sector(s) which deliver outcomes of research and best practice in suitable forms for delivery by the Sector KE and AHDB Communications team to include: technical leaflets and printed material, videos, webinars. Liaison with research contractors, grower associations and other industry stakeholders as required ensuring that industry needs are identified and evaluated within the context of the sector strategy, and carried forward into crop sector priority documents. In partnership with existing staff develop relationships with relevant grower associations and groups and design/contribute to annual conferences and relevant events. Provide written and verbal updates to internal and external meetings as required. Provide a strategic lead on the designated areas to the development and delivery of the sector’s strategic work programme including technical evaluation of external and internal research relevant to levy payers. Contribute to strategic thinking relevant to technical areas of responsibility assigned noting the two key themes of the sector strategy i.e. crop protection and labour/robotics. Provide technical support to designated crop sector Panel(s). Ensure adherence to sector / AHDB brand guidelines for all KE materials. Ensure KE input to all relevant internal AHDB working groups. Take lead responsibility for delivery and further development of key AHDB Horticulture KE products in your designated area. Ensure Horticulture KE messages and materials are promoted and embraced by the full sector KE team and other AHDB colleagues. Work with colleagues in AHDB communications to prepare supporting resources for shows and events.

The post holder will also be expected to carry out other responsibilities which the Head of KE for Hort may require.

Delegated Authority:   

Budgetary responsibility in line with AHDB Standing Instructions, with responsibility for KE project expenditure. Commission knowledge transfer campaigns, products, services and projects. Line management of KE staff.

Person specification - Knowledge/Skills/Experience:            

A skilled communicator able to speak and write with authority A proven track record of developing and delivering effective KE approaches A manager who has experience of or potential for building a strong team spirit. Results driven manager, with experience achieving stretching operational targets. Experienced at closely monitoring and managing project budget expenditure. Industry expertise in the Horticulture sector. Will hold a relevant Horticulture degree and/or equivalent. May have higher level professional and or technical qualification in the defined technical area.(e.g. BASIS) Can demonstrate a desire and willingness to actively develop own skills and knowledge. Confident to work with industry partners from across the Horticulture sector. Able to develop and maintain professional relationships with relevant researchers and institutes. A team player with the ability to respond to the needs of colleagues across the Horticulture KE team and AHDB.

Version

Date

Author

Description

1.0

May 2016

R Laverick

Original