Head of Seeds Varieties and Trial

Help shape the future of Scottish agriculture and horticulture by leading nationally important seed, variety testing and trial support services, while overseeing SASA’s 150-hectare farmland estate.

As Head of Seeds, Varieties and Trial Support at the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), you will lead three specialist teams spanning Seed Certification and Variety Testing, Scotland’s Official Seed Testing Station, and Farm & Horticulture. Working within a multidisciplinary organisation of around 180 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff, you will help deliver high-quality statutory, commercial and advisory services that support Scotland’s agriculture, horticulture, environmental protection and food safety objectives.

You will provide strategic leadership for 43 staff, overseeing seed certification, variety testing, trial support operations and estate management across SASA’s 150-hectare farmland holding. The role’s primary objective is to ensure the effective delivery of nationally important testing, certification and inspection services, while providing expert advice to Ministers, policy colleagues and stakeholders, leading Scotland’s GM Inspectorate, and contributing to the wider leadership and direction of SASA as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.