Plant Varieties & Seeds Delivery Manager

The PVS HEO Delivery Manager plays a key operational leadership role within the APHA Plant Varieties and Seeds (PVS) team, supporting the delivery and assurance of statutory plant varieties and seeds services across the UK.

The postholder will lead and manage a specialist delivery team, working closely with colleagues across APHA, Defra, the Devolved Authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of PVS legislation. This includes oversight of Variety Listing (VL), Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR); and seed, potato, vegetable, cereals and fruit marketing regulations for England and Wales, while supporting UK‑wide consistency through the PVS Common Framework.

Acting as Deputy to the SEO Manager, the role focuses on managing delivery performance, resources and staff wellbeing, contributing operational insight to service improvement and maintaining confidence in PVS operations.

The postholder will also support the UK’s engagement with international stakeholders and organisations, including UPOV and other international partners, helping to ensure alignment with international standards, obligations 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 play a critical operational leadership role within the APHA Plant Varieties and Seeds (PVS) team, ensuring the effective delivery and assurance of statutory obligations under UK PVS legislation. This includes oversight of Variety Listing (VL), Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR), and seed, potato, vegetable, cereals and fruit marketing regulations.

Working closely with APHA, Defra, the Devolved Authorities and external stakeholders, the postholder will support the delivery of a consistent and high‑quality service across the UK, ensuring alignment with the PVS Common Framework and contributing to the UK’s engagement with international organisations.

The postholder will:

• Act as Deputy to the SEO Manager, providing operational leadership and contributing delivery insight to planning, implementation and service improvement for PVS work.

• Lead, manage and motivate a team of technical delivery specialists and administrative support staff within a defined area of VL/PBR or Certification.

• Proactively monitor team performance, workload, KPIs and resource use, taking action where required to maintain effective delivery.

• Ensure high standards of health & safety, staff wellbeing and productivity.

• Oversee and assure the delivery of:
  • Variety Listing and Plant Breeders’ Rights for the United Kingdom

  • Seed, Potato, Vegetable and Cereals Marketing Regulations for England and Wales

• Support the coordination of activities across APHA, Defra, Devolved Authorities, industry and other stakeholders to meet PVS Common Framework requirements.

• Maintain accurate project documentation and provide regular updates to Plant Varieties and Seeds SEO managers.

• Develop clear communications and guidance to support stakeholder engagement and confidence in delivery.

• Support the UK’s interaction with international organisations, including UPOV.

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

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.

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