Plant Variety and Seeds Certification Delivery Manager

The PVS Certification HEO plays a key operational leadership role within the APHA Plant Variety and Seeds (PVS) team, leading the delivery and assurance of statutory plant certification and marketing schemes across England and Wales.

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across APHA, Defra, the Devolved Authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of certification legislation and standards covering seed, potato, vegetable, cereals and fruit for England and Wales, while supporting UK‑wide consistency through the PVS Common Framework. Acting as Deputy to the SEO Certification Manager, the role focuses on maintaining delivery performance, overseeing resources, supporting staff wellbeing and driving operational improvements that facilitate trade while maintaining confidence in certification systems and regulatory compliance.

The postholder will provide leadership across a range of certification activities including certification inspections, licensing of authorised persons and businesses, technical auditing, stakeholder engagement, contractor management, performance reporting and the development of certification processes and guidance.

The role also supports UK engagement with international certification frameworks and organisations, helping to ensure alignment with international standards and best practice.

This role is suited to an experienced delivery manager with strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, capable of managing complex regulatory services and working effectively with domestic and international partners.

The postholder will provide operational leadership within the APHA Plant Variety and Seeds (PVS) team, ensuring the effective delivery of statutory plant certification and marketing schemes across England and Wales.

As Deputy to the SEO Certification Manager, they will lead delivery planning, team performance, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement activities, working closely with APHA, Defra, Devolved Authorities, industry stakeholders and international partners to maintain high standards of regulatory compliance and service delivery.

Responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Lead and develop a team delivering statutory certification and marketing schemes.

• Manage resources, workloads, performance and KPIs to meet statutory and business requirements.

• Oversee certification, inspection, audit and licensing activities, working with APHA PHSI and delivery partners.

• Develop and maintain operational guidance, procedures and communications.

• Support staff training, competence development and wellbeing.

• Lead or contribute to projects that improve certification processes, systems and service delivery.

• Manage stakeholder relationships across government, industry and international organisations.

• Support contract management, performance reporting, customer enquiries and complaints.

• Contribute to policy implementation, fee reviews and legislative changes affecting certification schemes.

• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade

On appointment, all postholders will be required to work towards relevant UPOV technical qualifications appropriate to their role, including:

• DL205 Introduction to the UPOV System of Plant Variety Protection

• DL305A Administration of Plant Breeders Rights

• DL305B DUS Examination

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain expertise in statutory certification and marketing schemes relevant to their area of responsibility. Training and support will be provided.

Travel Requirements

The role involves occasional travel to attend meetings, training, and stakeholder engagement activities across England, Wales and the UK.

A full UK driving licence is desirable, or the ability to travel using suitable alternative means.

Experience and Ability

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience working within agriculture, horticulture, plant health, seeds, biology, regulatory services, or a similar operational environment.