Job Description

Salary ranging from 70k dependent on experience Full-time - 37 hours per week Willingness and ability to travel across the UK as part of the role Primary working location will be one of the UKATC hubs 27 days + bank holidays increasing to 30 with length of service Flexible working hours 4x salary life assurance Enhanced sick pay EAP with 24/7 helpline and expert advice service (legal, finance, health, etc.) Pension salary sacrifice scheme availability Fees for professional memberships Performance-related bonus Ongoing training and development

Are you passionate about Tech?

The Head of Ventures will lead the design and delivery of a dynamic range of services for innovative companies in the Agri-Tech sector.

Have you been an early-stage employee in an Agri-Tech Start-up or held a senior role in an Agri-Tech SME?

Have you ever worked as a Partnerships Manager or Innovations Manager?

Or do you have experience working within a business accelerator?

UKATC's mission is to drive growth in the UK Agri-Tech sector by enabling businesses to successfully develop and commercialise Agri-Tech solutions. The Head of Ventures is the lead within the company responsible for understanding and representing the needs and pressures faced by both:

Innovative SMEs developing novel Agri-Tech products and services Start Ups bringing new innovations to market.
This person is a key point of interaction and engagement with Ventures, a central contributor to the insights and expertise needed for UKATC needs to deliver meaningful impact for these groups.

The successful candidate will bring their understanding of the needs and pressures entrepreneurial ventures face, which might include:

Understanding the types of commercial and technical challenges encountered during product or service development, commercialisation and adoption. Creating innovative and impactful approaches for UKATC to accelerate the pace of bringing ideas to market, and the scale of their commercial impact. Finding ways for UKATC to connect Ventures to people, organisations and resources they require for success Designing methods to support Ventures so their innovations are commercially and technically viable Understanding barriers to business growth and methods to navigate around them. Being aware of funding options and, when appropriate, ensuring Ventures are investment-ready Being responsive to customer (Venture) needs and engendering a similar mindset in Customers (Ventures themselves).

To be successful in the role, this person will draw on their previous experience:

Running or playing a significant role in a start-up, scale-up, or smaller / medium-sized business (ideally in Agri-Tech) Bringing innovations to market Overcoming barriers to the technical and commercial development of innovative products and services.
The successful person will have to listen closely to the needs and expectations of our Ventures, learn from previous Agri-Tech successes and failures, and tap into the business incubation and acceleration community more widely.

What we are looking for

Commercial Acumen

: Proven experience in a commercial environment, with a strong understanding of business models, revenue generation, and value creation.

Entrepreneurial Background

: Ideally has founded or worked at a senior level in a start-up, led business incubation/accelerator programmes, or Agri-Tech SMEs.

Programme Design and Delivery

: Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evolve service offerings tailored to start-up needs.

Customer-Centric Mindset

: Strong track record of listening to customers, interpreting their needs, and adapting services accordingly.

Team Leadership

: Experience in building and leading high-performing teams, setting high standards, and fostering accountability.

Agility and Pace

: Comfortable working at speed, especially within distributed or matrixed organisations.

Partnership Development

: Skilled in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with external organisations.

Desirable Experience and Skills

Priority Technology Area Experience

:Experience in any of: Automation and Robotics, Data and AI, Advanced Sensors, Controlled Environments, Engineering Biology
- Experience of failure as well as success!
- Experience in the ecosystem of enabling innovation.

Personal Attributes

Visionary and strategic thinker with a hands-on approach. Excellent communicator and collaborator. Resilient and adaptable in fast-changing environments. High integrity and commitment to delivering impact. Experience of failure as well as success!

Why join us?

You could be part of a pioneering organisation driving innovation in Agri-Tech, whilst working in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. There is an opportunity to grow and develop within a newly established organisation, plus a range of benefits including:

If you are ready for a role that truly makes an impact - join us and be part of something meaningful. We'd love to hear from you!

About Us

The UK Agri-Tech Centre (UKATC) is an independent business, supported by Innovate UK, providing a combination of pioneering research and innovation facilities and agri-tech expertise to industry that supports innovation and economic growth.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre was formed in April 2024 by the merger of three not-for-profit organisations, Agri-EPI Centre, Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) and Crop Health and Protection (CHAP).

Focusing on the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, robotics, precision breeding, and vertical farming, the UK Agri-Tech Centre plays a key role in supporting the commercialisation of new products and services, addressing critical challenges such as food security, productivity, and sustainability and driving both economic and societal growth.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexitime Life insurance
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in York YO10 5DG