Development Lead Assistant

UPL Limited (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070 LSE: UPLL) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions with annual revenue exceeding $6bn. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg UPL is focused on accelerating progress for the food system. We are building a network that is reimagining sustainability redefining the way an entire industry thinks and works open to fresh ideas innovation and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable. As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14000 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries represented by more than 10000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds post-harvest as well as physical and digital services please visit and follow us on LinkedIn Twitter Instagram and Facebook.

Job Title Development Lead Assistant

Location N4 Gateway Pretoria

ABOUT UPL:

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the worlds long-term food supply. Winning farmers hearts across the globe while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable UPL is the fastest-growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community UPLs overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence workplace and customer engagement.

Our purpose is OpenAg. An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits no borders.

We are one team for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them. We think outside the box and go beyond our comfort zone. We believe in agility we mix the power of speed with structure from process. And wherever we can we always believe in having fun

Role Summary

The purpose of this role would be to provide a scientific supportive role to the Development Project Leads: Insecticides; Herbicides; Fungicides & Bio-Solutions on a day-to-day basis.

Role Responsibilities

Trial Data Maintenance & Analysis

• Locating and collating project and trial data and maintaining project development databases.
• Following up with CROs on trial reports and data so that all relevant information per project is available to the project Lead in an orderly and timely manner.
• Analysing and summarising trial data in a clear and concise manner to present the Lead with a quick overview of whether the data generated are consistent and conform to the protocol directive and registration guidelines.
• Must have the ability to observe and identify potential anomalies in data presented within the reports and be able to communicate this to the Project Lead in a meaningful way.
• Conducting advanced agrochemical related research for literature review purposes.
• Attend all Departmental meetings and record meeting minutes for record purposes

Product Label Maintenance

• Constant monitoring & review of company portfolio labels for anomalies & mistakes and update where necessary

Managing Contract Research Organisations

• Trial programme planning in conjunction with Development Leads in order to ensure the timely planning of trial executions
• Co-ordinating the timely implementation of forecasted GEP & GLP trial plans in order to meet the expected execution dates relative to the season and application timing windows with CROs and study directors for GLP studies
• Management of CROs and expected outcomes with respect to required timelines for relevant reports/results to meet seaonal timings and planning of project timelines

Individual/Team

• Close liaison with Development Logistics Assistant in order to maintain R&D stock levels form the maintenance of sufficient stock levels to ensure sufficient product samples availability for trials

Responsibility Weightage and % of Time Spent Matrix

Strategic: Strategic 70%; Tactical 30%

Number of Direct Reports: 0

Number of Indirect Reports: 1

Internal Stakeholders

Insert Internal Stakeholder 1: eg: Regulatory

• Liason with relevant Regulatory Leads per portfolio regarding project requirements/timelines studies needed and progress thereof and necessary requirements to fulfil dossier requirements
• Manage process flow between Development Lead and Regulatory Lead in order to facilitate smooth flow of information to allow both departments to be up-to-date on project progress

External Interactions

Insert External Stakeholder 1: Contract Research Organisations

• Constant liaison with CROs on project planning and progress.
• Constant project updates and timeous retrieval of relevant reports

Insert External Stakeholder: External Contractors

• Constant liaison with external contractors on project planning and progress.
• Liason with contractors with data sharing and report writing
• Constant project updates and timeous retrieval of relevant reports

Knowledge Skills and Experience Required

Technical Requirements:

• BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences.

• Experience in agrochemical industry.
• CropLife Basic Crop Protection Certificate.

• Statistical understanding in a biological context

Behavioural Requirements

• Ability to prioritize and manage activities within set timelines.

• Ability to work independently under intense pressure at times but maintain a high level of accuracy
• Meticulous preciseness especially with written tasks.
• In-depth analytical thinking will be required to identify problems

UPLCompetencies

• Adaptability & Resilience

Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior and scales up as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open inclusive and accepting workplace

• Entrepreneurial Mindset

Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically takes calculated risks and maximizes opportunities

• Results Orientations

Acts pursues goals with persistence and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition

• Execution Excellence

Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes systems and people; has sharp focus on quality-orientation

• Strategic Orientation

Demonstrates knowledge of the social economic and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens / design thinking

• Building Teams and Talent

Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments

• Customer Centricity

Understands the customer needs and pain points fulfills the needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers.

We are one team for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We all play for the team and no one plays against the team. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them.

#UPLJobs