Horticulture Growing and Development Supervisor

Horticulture Growing and Development Supervisor

Job Title Horticulture Growing and Development Supervisor Post Number Closing Date 5 Oct 2026 Grade SC7 Starting Salary Salary: £30,600-£37,400

Hours per week 37 Expected/Ideal Start Date 02 Nov 2026 Months Duration Indefinite

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job The Horticultural Growing and Development Supervisor (GDS) is responsible for supervising the day to day operation of the institute's horticultural growing facilities and technical growing services. The role ensures the successful cultivation, maintenance, and delivery of high-quality plant material to support scientific research. The role combines hands on horticultural expertise with team supervision and operational planning to ensure research projects receive reliable, high-quality growing support.

Key Relationships Working closely with scientists, technical teams, and service platform managers, the postholder will oversee horticultural operations, coordinate growing activities, supervise horticultural staff, and implement best practices in plant production, plant health, biosecurity, and facility management.

Main Activities & Responsibilities 25 Growing Operations Supervision

• Supervise daily horticultural operations across glasshouses, growth rooms, controlled environment facilities, and outdoor growing areas.
• Ensure the timely production and delivery of healthy, high-quality plant material for research projects.
• Coordinate growing schedules to meet experimental and scientific requirements.
• Monitor plant growth, crop health, and cultivation activities.
• Oversee irrigation, nutrition, propagation, environmental control, and crop maintenance programmes.
• Ensure the effective utilisation of growing space and resources.

25 Research Support

• Act as a key horticultural contact for research groups and scientific staff.
• Work with scientists to understand plant project requirements and experimental timelines.
• Implement and maintain cultivation protocols supporting research objectives.
• Provide specialist horticultural advice on plant husbandry, propagation, crop management, and plant health.
• Assist in developing new growing techniques and methodologies to support research activities.

20 Team Supervision

• Supervise horticultural technicians, growers, and support staff.
• Allocate workloads and coordinate daily activities.
• Provide training, mentoring, and technical guidance.
• Monitor staff performance and support professional development.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and customer focused working environment.
• Support recruitment, induction, and onboarding of new staff where required.

15 Plant Health, Quality and Biosecurity

• Monitor and maintain high standards of plant health and quality.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management programmes.
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity procedures and plant health regulations.
• Investigate and respond to plant health issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate plant records and production documentation.

5 Facility and Equipment Oversight

• Monitor the operational condition of growing facilities and equipment.
• Coordinate routine maintenance activities with engineering and facilities teams.
• Report facility issues and support resolution activities.
• Assist with the implementation of new growing technologies and environmental control systems.
• Ensure growing facilities remain safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.

5 Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and institute policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safe systems of work are followed.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture within the growing team.
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain relevant operational procedures and records.

5 Service Delivery

• Support the delivery of agreed service levels to research programmes.
• Monitor performance against service objectives and growing schedules.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Maintain effective communication with customers and stakeholders regarding project progress and plant availability.

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance Degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related disciplin Essential PA1, PA6 Certificates in the Safe Use of Pesticides Essential BASIS Qualification in Agronomy (foundation) Desirable Supervisory or team leadership qualification Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience in Horticultural Services or have worked in another research environment for a reasonable length of time Essential Effective management skills in order to implement change and drive high standards of service delivery Essential Knowledge of local and statutory Health and Safety regulations (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable Knowledge of containment regulations Level 1/2 (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable Knowledge of regulations for the control and disposal of GMO material (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Significant practical experience in horticultural growing operations Essential Experience within glasshouse, controlled environment, nursery, or research growing facilities Essential Experience supervising staff and coordinating day-to-day activities Essential Strong knowledge of plant cultivation, propagation, irrigation, and plant health management Essential Ability to identify pests and diseases and recommend the correct chemical / biological control and necessary safety protocols, in accordance with statutory and local rules/regulations Essential

Requirement Importance Experience in Horticultural Services or have worked in another research environment for a reasonable length of time Essential Effective management skills in order to implement change and drive high standards of service delivery Essential Knowledge of local and statutory Health and Safety regulations (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable Knowledge of containment regulations Level 1/2 (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable Knowledge of regulations for the control and disposal of GMO material (desirable on appointment, essential when in post) Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels in the organisation Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Ability to carry out and train standard horticultural methods Essential Passion for supporting plant science research Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Additional Requirements Requirement Importance Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Attention to detail Essential

Who We Are The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Horticulture Growing and Development Supervisor

Salary: £30,600 - £37,400 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: Indefinite, full time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 5 October 2026

Reference:
. click apply for full job details