Production Manager Protein Crops
We are seeking a Production Manager to set up and manage the production of seeds and crops for protein extraction purposes, serving KWS food ingredients ambitions.
Key Responsibilities:
* Contra-seasonal production of protein crops (especially peas) in the field and greenhouse, including production planning, selection and management of growers, and coordination of sampling, harvesting and logistics.
* Ensure production meets regulatory and customer requirements regarding quality (e.g. organic production), identity preservation, phytosanitary status.
* Establish and coordinate logistics to transfer seeds/grains to grower and processing partners.
* Provide agronomic advice and conduct crop status monitoring with contract growers.
* Ensure professional inventory management from seed to protein and set it up if necessary, assuring transparency on seed/grain flow.
* Assure production serves needs from KWS' food industry partner and product development projects.
* Provide input on capacity and quantity planning for R&D/commercial usage.
* Closely work with internal plant breeding and production teams as well as the Lead R&D and Protein Production Manager KFI to coordinate seed maintenance and propagation for both research and commercial purposes.
* Continuously look for new approaches to improve cost efficiency and quality parameters.
Requirements:
* BSc, MSc or equivalent education in agriculture, or adjacent sciences.
* Minimum 3 years' experience in agricultural crop production in field and controlled environments (preferable peas).
* Experience in organic production and/or the processing of protein crops including respective networks is an advantage.
* Hands-on attitude, pro-actively tackling challenges and finding solutions.
* Innovative and out-of-the-box mindset.
* Excellent communication and networking skills.
* Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
* Very good German and English language skills.
* Driving license mandatory (Class B).
* High willingness to travel.
What We Offer:
* A family-run company guided by the values of closeness, reliability, foresight, and independence.
* True to our motto 'Make yourself grow', we support employees' professional and personal development.
* Excellent work equipment, a fully-fledged subsidized canteen, and sufficient free parking spaces at the KWS location.
* Capital formation benefits, Christmas and holiday bonuses, childcare allowance, and a job bike.