Production Research Manager

Field of Work:Marketing & Sales
Location: Champaign Moorhead
Legal Entity: division
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 15932

Summary/Purpose:

The Production Research Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of field production and seed conditioning research on a global scale for Hybrid Cereals. This role is responsible for continuously refining methodologies and technologies used to ensure the cost-effective production of high-quality hybrid seed. This role will be an integral part of the Production Team planning and executing field and lab trials assessing optimal environmental and agronomic requirements managing internal and external trial providers while maintaining budgetary targets. Additionally the Production Research Manager will provide training and consultation to stakeholders involved in breeding and seed production.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Field Trials for Hybrid Seed Production
  • Plan coordinate and execute field trials for both foundation and commercial hybrid seed production of small grains with a focus on hybrid wheat and hybrid rye.
  • Design experiments to evaluate and optimize environmental requirements and agronomic practices for hybrid seed production.
• Develop and Refine Production Methodologies
  • Continuously assess and refine methodologies and technologies to ensure cost-effective and high-quality hybrid seed production.
  • Implement new technologies and practices based on trial outcomes and industry advancements.
• Manage Stakeholder Relationships
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders involved in seed production including growers trial providers and conditioning partners.
  • Provide training consulting and technical support to stakeholders to ensure alignment with production standards and goals.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external partners regarding hybrid cereal production research.
• Collaborate with International Teams
  • Work closely with an international production research team to share knowledge align strategies and coordinate global research initiatives.
  • Participate in cross-regional projects and contribute to the development of global best practices for hybrid cereal production.
• Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Collect analyze and interpret data from field trials and production activities.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for internal teams management and external stakeholders.
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Develop manage and monitor the research budget ensuring all activities are aligned with cost targets and financial objectives.
  • Track expenditures forecast resource needs and report on budget performance to leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Experienced research expert with a focus on in-field trials and hybrid crop production
• Technical understanding of the production of small grains
• Good teamwork communication negotiation and presentation skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
• Ability to work outdoors
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office including Excel Word PowerPoint)
• BA/BS in Agriculture or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Agriculture or related field
• Experience with statistical or data analysis software
• 5 years of appropriate work experience

We Offer:

• A salary between $85000 to $95000. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus. This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made
• Health dental vision benefits
• Pension plan
• 401k with match
• Flexible paid-time-off (PTO)
• Professional training and development opportunities

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position is home office-based with an expectation of 30% travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb balance stoop kneel crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

About KWS

KWS is one of the worlds leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around 1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet corn cereals vegetables oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants resistance to diseases pests and abiotic stress. To that end the company invested more than 300 million last fiscal year in research and development. For more information: Follow us on LinkedIn at data privacy policy for candidates is available on Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and if applicable the specific business unit.