Senior Manager of Product Development, Breeding

Role Overview

• leads the optimization of breeding and testing of precommercial pipelines
• monitors performance in a regional and local context
• represents R&D in regional networks and at customer-facing forums
• partners with product leaders, regional teams, and growers to deliver varieties
• design pre-commercial breeding and testing strategies aligned with regional needs
• integrate environmental and growers’ insights into product advancements
• oversee testing optimizations
• analyze multi‑location and multi‑year trials
• provide day-to-day management and leadership to the variety development managers
• establish rigorous experimental protocols and collaborate with breeding teams
• produce executive reports on pipeline health
• communicate priorities and progress to product leaders, growers, and regional operations

Requirements

• MSc in plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, agronomy, or related field
• minimum of 10 years in agricultural research
• Proven experience in commercial breeding or product management
• data analysis
• phenotyping
• environmental modeling
• Ability to lead without direct line authority
• Successful track record of adopting predictive analytics methods
• Experience in effective change management
• Capability to manage a large and highly complex R&D program structure within a global operational setting
• Must be a self-starter
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• life insurance
• disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week
• 401(k) with employer match
• profit-sharing participation
• paid sick time
• paid vacation
• paid personal and family care leave
• free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)