Dr John Hutchins

In my current role I am responsible for the business development and management activities of the Centre for Plant Varieties and Seeds. The role includes managing the relationship with one of NIAB’s largest customers, Defra, for whom NIAB provides technical services to the plant breeding and seeds industry. The role requires a strong customer orientation and business-process focus, to ensure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

As part of a post-graduate MBA qualification, from Henley Management College, my dissertation examined the delivery of services by professional service organisations, particularly the interface between marketing and human resource management.

Previously I worked as the Head of NIAB’s Business Development Unit, where I had responsibility for NIAB’s marketing and private sector business development activities. The principal responsibilities included contract manager development, planning and management of the marketing mix with emphasis on public relations and customer relationship management (CRM), customer survey and annual service reviews with key clients.

My project management skills have been developed through delivery and development of NIAB’s overseas training and consultancy business; primarily focused on the aid-funded market, implementing technical assistance projects overseas (eg Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Kosovo and Kyrgyzstan) and smaller consultancy or training contracts (in the UK or abroad).