J3275 - TECHNICAL EXTENSION OFFICERS- North, Midlands, South/SW
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JOB CODE:
J3275
JOB TITLE:
TECHNICAL EXTENSION OFFICERS- North, Midlands, South/SW
DESCRIPTION:
DairyCo Limited (DairyCo) was set up in April 2008 following a fundamental review of agricultural levy boards by Defra. The five existing levy boards were replaced by one statutory levy board, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Reporting in to AHDB will be six sector companies DairyCo covers the milk sector.
DairyCo is funded entirely by milk producers, via a statutory levy on all milk sold off-farm, at the rate of 0.06p per litre. This provides an annual income of around £7m.
DairyCos focus areas are:
Market Information making the supply chain work more effectively by ensuring everyone has access to high quality information
R&D ensuring there are exciting new techniques for the future, focusing initially on climate change and labour usage
Knowledge Transfer making sure farmers have access to high quality and independent information backed by proven science and publications that can really make a difference to their business
Image Management promoting dairy products and dairy farming to ensure there is a positive attitude from the general public towards dairy products. This will mean new and innovative dairy products will be much more in demand
Encourage the industry to be so forward thinking and dynamic that the industry could take over levy-funded services and reduce the need to collect levy in the future
DairyCo co-funds the industrys nutritional and issues management resource The Dairy Council with the processors trade body Dairy UK.
Relocation to Stoneleigh
Having recently undergone a TUPE transfer, DairyCo, currently located in Cirencester, will relocate to Stoneleigh sometime after April 2009. This role may be affected by future changes within AHDB/DairyCo and certain shared functions will be centralized in Stoneleigh in April 2009.
Overview of the role
Extension Officers are an integral part of the DairyCo Knowledge transfer team. They are the first point of contact for dairy farmers on the majority of DairyCo issues. Their primary purpose is to communicate and drive positive change based on DairyCo research and development activities. The role also requires the effective measurement of change within the region which relates directly to individual performance in terms of return on investment.
This is an extremely challenging position that will only see candidates of extremely high calibre achieving the required results.
Technical Extension Officers are home based and it is a requirement of the job that the job holder holds a valid driving licence.
Principle accountabilities:
To raise your profile and be the first point of contact for DairyCo dairy farmer enquiries in the region.
Be proactive in the formation and facilitation of new discussion groups, driving and challenging dairy farmers with facilitated technical debate.
Deliver technical information to farmers and colleagues at different levels and in different forums in order to arm farmers with information to challenge and change
Guide team members through a mentoring programme
Have an in-depth understanding of regional (and / or specialist subject area if applicable) activity in both dairy and related fields, and develop regional programmes that incorporate this knowledge in delivering the corporate and regional objectives and targets.
Preparation and submission of regional budgets for approval and subsequent management of such.
Work with existing structures to provide excellent technology interaction activities that emanate from DairyCo-funded work through a range of activities within agreed budgets.
Assist in the identification of research and development priorities from the region.
Development of DairyCo knowledge transfer programmes.
Co-ordinate the implementation of these programmes to attain agreed targets within the region.
Increase uptake of benchmarking activities.
Promote and increase the uptake of other DairyCo initiatives as they become available.
Support existing dairy discussion groups with DairyCo developed materials and guidance.
Work with local milk purchasers in joint initiatives that deliver on DairyCo corporate objectives.
Work with local structures and organisations, NFU, Grassland Society, Breed Societies etc to ensure a co-ordinated approach to activity.
Any other responsibilities commensurate with the post that the Chief Executive/Line Manager may require
Job descriptions will be reviewed periodically and changed if necessary to suit the demands of the business
The Candidate
In this role the personality, ability and proven track record of the individual is all important. Therefore, we do not want to put constraints on applications.
However as a guideline it is envisaged that the job holder will be educated to degree level in agriculture or related discipline and be able to demonstrate at least 3-5 years relevant experience in previous related posts.
This post requires an in-depth knowledge of dairy farming systems and associated business management practices including dairy farm business accounting procedure and analysis.
The job holder will ideally have in-depth knowledge of a key area within milk production, for example fertility management, feeding or dairy business management, gained through consultancy or an advisory role.
Already established contacts in the dairy industry would be an advantage but not a necessity if the individual has a can do attitude to achieving the necessary targets.
Personal characteristics sought include:
This jobholder requires the flexibility and adaptability to work predominantly on their own but also play an intrinsic role in a team to achieve both regional and corporate goals and targets. Self-motivation and the ability to recognise an opportunity and act on it will be essential. The successful candidate will be out-going and will find it easy to establish strong, sustainable relationships with producers and influencers in the area. He/she will be expected to make contact and be seen as the face of DairyCo. This includes building relationships with local media (with the support of the central press team) and a pro-active approach to meeting people. Work outside normal office hours is often necessary with this role.
If you would like to discuss this position in more detail or seek advise on how to make your application as effective as possible please do not hesitate to contact John Davies on 07980 859953 or e mail your enquiry or CV to johndavies@delacyexecutive.co.uk
www.delacyexecutive.co.uk
REMUNERATION:
A recent review of remuneration has led to a package which competes well with commercial and other sectors.
LOCATION:
North of England, the Midlands, South/SW
CONTACT:
If you would like to discuss this position in more detail or seek advise on how to make your application as effective as possible please do not hesitate to contact John Davies on 07980 859953 or e mail your enquiry or CV to johndavies@delacyexecutive.co.uk
www.delacyexecutive.co.uk
