Technical Manager - Plant Controls

We have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced ‘Technical Manager’ to join our technical team in Alconbury Hill.

Reporting to the Head of Technical, your primary responsibility will be to drive and manage new product development, including regulatory stewardship and provide technical support across the Growing Media Division. As part of the technical team you will support innovation, technical asset creation, regulatory compliance and add commercial value and technical capability to our products.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Lead value add new product development within garden product portfolio.
• Deliver and commercially justify new product opportunities.
• Manage formulation and regulatory requirements of the new product development process for both regulated and non-regulated products.
• Lead long-term product development pipeline and liaise with external partners to ensure successful NPD.
• Ensuring we are ahead of the game as a business, creating a difference that is achieved over a 5 year period.
• Deliver leading innovation in chemical, non-chemical and horticulture controls.
• Oversee new product development, continually driving innovative technologies across the portfolio for new and existing products.

Innovation & Project Work

• Continue to examine and introduce ‘’green’’ alternatives within our Product Offering.
• Create new opportunities and build on current products around ‘’Plant Health’’ technologies.
• Review developments within Professional Horticulture around plant protection.
• Build relationships with key suppliers, ensuring Westland have access to the latest technologies and competitive raw materials.

Skills, experience and qualifications

• You will have a proven track record as a technical manager in Consumer Goods, in one of the following: Agri/ Agri Chemical, Chemicals or household controls. You will be delivering against pre-agreed targets and introducing new innovative ideas.
• You will have excellent technical knowledge and a strong background in delivering and linking with internal & external stakeholders.
• We are looking for a passionate Manager committed to delivering high standards with the enthusiasm and drive to succeed in a challenging fast-moving environment.
• You will have a strong work ethic, able to work alone and as part of the wider team.
• You will be highly analytical.
• An excellent communicator
• A tangible track record in developing innovation and winning new business opportunities.

Technical Understanding

• Desirable to have worked in agricultural or horticultural sector
• Has been part of a technical department
• Has been at the leading edge of innovation in plant nutrition, chemical controls / pesticides and biocides within FMCG

If you're passionate about driving high standards and have the expertise to deliver in a fast-paced, innovative environment, we would love to hear from you!