AHDB JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Genetics Manager
Department
DairyCo Genetics
Location
Stoneleigh
Line Manager (Job Title)
Head of Genetics
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND JOB
The Genetics team’s role is to ensure DairyCo provides a World Class breeding information
service to dairy farmers and that this information is used effectively to ensure a continues
genetic improvement of the national dairy herd.
The team identifies breeding needs, in conjunction with the Genetics Advisory Forum and other
DairyCo teams. Through our genetic evaluations service provider (EGENES), we find the most
cost effective route to implementation and distribute the results via i) the Breeding+ website, ii)
through our many stakeholder channels, and iii) using the standard communication channels
(e.g. press articles and presentations at meetings)..
The team provides support to the other department within AHDB-DairyCo. In particular 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
Breeding+ website is developed and maintained.
The role of a Genetics Manager is:

To provide support for the Head of Genetics in the operation and development of
national genetic (incl. genomic) evaluations for dairy cattle

To undertake project management on genetic evaluations projects and initiatives

To focus on supporting communication of genetic evaluations and breeding tools and
their use in dairy cattle breeding with farmers and the wider industry

To ensure that there is adequate, appropriate quality communication with the industry
and farmers regarding genetic evaluations and the breeding of cows
DIMENSIONS: AUTHORITY LEVELS & DECISION MAKING
Budgetary responsibility:
To be confirmed.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/MAIN CONTACTS/CONTEXT
The role relies heavily on a close working relationship with the Head of Genetics, and will work
closely with the other DairyCo teams in maximising usage of genetic evaluation information and
breeding tools by farmers
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.
There will be significant context externally, with a wide range of people, but predominantly
people involved in the breeding industry and in conjunction with the KT team – farmers
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the Head of genetics in co-ordinating and running genetic evaluations,
covering for him whilst on holiday or other wise unavailable

Take primary responsibility for the publication and communication of genetic information
on our website

Develop and update communication material to support the KT strategy of genetic
evaluation information

To build links with 3rd parties to increase communication and usage of genetic evaluation
by farmers

To spend time with farmers (in conjunction with the KT team) and answering farmer and
industry queries to improve use of breeding information and tools

Managing individual development projects as allocated by the Head of Genetics

Support the development of PLI and communication of its benefits to farmers

Support the development of a KT strategy for genetics/breeding

Responsible for delivering parts of the KT strategy for genetics/breeding as agreed as
part of the KT strategy

Support the development and rolling out to the industry of “Customised Herd Index”

Establish and nurture external (domestic and international) links to other information
providers with the aim of adding value and avoiding duplication

Represent DairyCo at industry meetings and conferences
 Any other responsibilities commensurate with the post that the DairyCo 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 addressing dairy farming audiences with complex issues 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
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
Organised, diligent and with a good attention to detail

A rational thinker

Calm under pressure
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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