AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
KT Product Manager (Genetics)
Department
DairyCo Research and Development
Location
Stoneleigh
Grade
£30 – 40k
Line Manager (Job Title)
Senior KT Product Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND JOB
The R&D team’s role is to ensure DairyCo can provide World Class technical information and
tools on dairy farming. The team identifies the sectors research/technical information needs, in
conjunction with the Research Advisory Forum and other DairyCo teams. It gathers that
information through a variety of methods, and provides it in a usable format to help the
competitiveness and sustainability of British dairy farming.
The team provides written reports and publications to the Knowledge Transfer Team, in the
format required by the KT team. This may be as a technical report, factsheet, a practical tool,
etc. The team also develops services and products for the KT team to deliver to dairy farmers
(directly and indirectly), and ensures that the DairyCo website is developed into (and maintained
as) the first point of reference for technical information on dairy farming.
The role of a KT Product Manager is to develop the necessary tools and products for the KT
team and wider industry from information produced by, and in conjunction with, the R&D team.
It will also involve management of external services and contractors.
In addition, DairyCo and others within the industry already have a wealth of information and
knowledge, which is continually being supplemented and updated by R&D from around the
world. The post holder will act as a custodian of this synthesized information, to ensure that
world-class knowledge is available to all in dairy farming.
The KT Product Manager (Genetics) will be particularly proactive in developing, communicating
and implementing KT strategies on breeding and genetics.
DIMENSIONS: AUTHORITY LEVELS & DECISION MAKING
Budgetary responsibility:
To be confirmed.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/MAIN CONTACTS/CONTEXT
This role is pivotal in the translation of outputs from research and development into commercial
practice. The post holder will work closely with the Genetics, R&D, Knowledge Transfer, and
Marketing & Communications teams, to ensure commissioned research delivers results that can
be applied at the earliest opportunity, with measurable impacts at farm level.
This role requires not only knowledge of how farmers accept and adopt new technologies, but
also the vision that will take a research project, influence it’s direction and package the
outcomes, in a form that dairy farmers will use to add value to their business.
The KT Product Manager (Genetics) will be expected to develop strong technical and functional
relationships with the DairyCo Head of Genetics, and will provide technical back-up, as well as
manage KT activities on breeding and genetics.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to developing and maintaining a one-stop information centre for all things
dairying that is relevant to achieving positive change within the industry.

Within the KT Product Manager team, take primary responsibility for the development,
publication, and communication of KT material on breeding and genetic improvement
 Provide a direct interface with the dairy industry to promote the benefits of genetic
improvement, and stimulate a greater use of the outputs from genetic evaluations
 Transfer research needs feedback from the field to the R&D team for consideration in line
with the DairyCo Business Plan, Research & Development, and Knowledge Transfer
Strategies.
 Package the outcomes of R&D activities into suitable form/s for effective use by the
DairyCo Extension Team and others, on-time and within budget.
 Develop a strong working relationship between the KT, R&D, Marketing &
Communications departments, and the Head of Genetics to devise focused campaigns
with clear measurable outcomes.
 Constantly seek innovative methods of transferring technical information to dairy farmers
via a range of mediums, though especially the DairyCo Extension Team.
 Identify and pursue opportunities for collaborative development and delivery activities with
other allied organisations, such as AHDB divisions and commercial companies.
 Devise appropriate reporting mechanisms, support and targets for individual initiatives.
 Manage outsourced projects (as current examples - ‘What If’, DairyCo Mastitis Control
Plan etc).
 Support the development and rolling out to the industry of the ‘Customised herd Index’
 Work with Web and CRM Manager, producing website content and ensuring it is
uploaded, maintained and developed
 Produce content for technical updates and support production as necessary
 Establish and nurture external (domestic and international) links to other information
providers, with the aim of adding value and avoiding duplication
 Any other responsibilities commensurate with the post that the Director / Line Manager
may require.
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KNOWLEDGE / EXPERTISE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will be educated to degree level or equivalent in an agricultural topic.

Experience, or a formal qualification, in Animal Breeding/Quantitative Genetics would be
an additional advantage

Minimum of three years industry experience in either agricultural extension or
communications discipline, demonstrating effective communication with farmers or
similar groups

Evidence of experience in campaign development that resulted in effective change.

Skills related to taking technical information and distilling this into clear and practical
‘materials’ are essential.

Must be an effective communicator, both written and in oral presentation.

Experience of successfully relaying complex issues to farming audiences is desirable

Experience of effective project management

Good prioritization and time management skills

Evidence of successful project budgetary understanding and management.

Experience in procuring services through a quotation / tendering process and complex
contract negotiation is desirable

In addition to a strong knowledge of dairy cattle breeding, a good knowledge of practical
dairy farming, and ideally the dairy industry, is essential.

Must be able build effective internal and external relationships.

An ability to work with modern communication systems and IT, especially with the MS
packages, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

As some travel will be involved, it is a requirement of the job that the job holder holds a
full valid driving license

Current passport is desirable
OTHER ATTRIBUTES / KEY SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Determined, self motivated, and results orientated

A can do / will do attitude

Innovative, and willing to think ‘outside the box’

An effective communicator, with the ability to influence others to accept direction or
make change

Adaptable, with the ability to work co-operatively and constructively as part of a team

Organised, diligent and with a good attention to detail

A rational thinker

Calm under pressure
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SIGNATURE (Postholder):
DATE:
SIGNATURE (Manager):
DATE:
Job descriptions will be reviewed periodically and changed if necessary to suit the needs of the
business
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