Description
Eschbach Research Center Operations Lead
At Eschbach Research Center, we are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in agrisciences. Our mission is to push the boundaries of research and development, and we are seeking a passionate Operations Lead to join our dynamic team. If you are a strategic thinker with a knack for operational excellence, we want to hear from you!
POSITION PURPOSE:
1. Coordinates the leadership of day-to-day management at the Research Center.
2. Serves as the liaison between all process leads and serves as the overall key contact for the center.
3. Ensures safe, effective and efficient management of Research Center processes at the local level.
4. Plans for Research resources (manpower, machinery, equipment and tools and facilities) needed to produce high quality data, on-time field operations, meet product advancement schedules.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management:
5. Manage and accountable for the daily center operations, ensuring on-time completions to meet research and business needs.
6. Plan, organize, and direct research operations to ensure the most effective use of assets while meeting research/business objectives; may include, but not limited to the management of personnel, equipment, facility and land use.
7. Coordinate the research center leadership team meetings by developing agendas, schedules, and ensuring appropriate follow-ups.
8. Effective management of land cooperators and off –site storage.
9. Ensure Regulatory compliance (safety, wage/hour laws, etc).
10. Hold regular team meetings to provide short term and long term task direction, along with timely business updates.
11. Monitor and manage capacity constraints, equipment problems, labor scheduling, etc. to ensure research goals are met.
12. Identify and resolve problems with help as needed from the local center leadership team and upper management (Research Directors, EZ Leads, etc.).
Team Leadership and Development:
13. Coach, support and develop employees on their team in a manner that fosters effective collaboration and teamwork, demonstrating and modeling the Core Values.
14. Establish and support individual and team performance goals that are attainable and aligned with business strategy.
15. Hold employees accountable for achieving performance results and demonstrating work behaviors that promote collaboration and teamwork in an effective manner while demonstrating and modeling the Core Values.
16. Recognize and value employees through ongoing recognition of individual and team results.
17. Strongly encourage employee feedback and ideas for process improvements.
Promote a Culture that Demonstrates Core Values While Generating High Quality Results:
18. Promote health, safety, and environmentally friendly practices
19. Ensure SHE programs are implemented and fully executed and ensure all employees at the center are engaged in Safety. Model and enforce the Life Saving Rules. Foster a positive Safety Culture on and off the job
20. Ensure RMS and Management Review is in place and effective. Provide oversight of and monitor quality levels through all stages of research processes and testing.
Scientific:
21. Work in conjunction with Research Scientist(s) and EZ Lead(s) to establish project goals consistent with business unit goals which reflect internal and external customer needs.
22. Remain current on new technology being curious and willing to learn, by participating in professional meetings, career development activities and by encouraging others to bring information into research activities.
23. May monitor research progress and meet with participating researchers to identify problems and opportunities impacting the business unit.
24. May communicate with research leadership (i.e. Sr. Scientists, Research Fellows, EZ Leads, and/or Research Directors), business unit contacts, and/or external collaborators on progress of product opportunities and makes recommendations regarding product testing and evaluation process.
25. May participate in product selection, advancements, assignment of rankings, etc. This may include preparing and analyzing data, keeping records or otherwise facilitating advancement meetings.
26. May serve on teams appropriate to cross project research initiatives.
Location: Eschbach Research Center
#LI-IM #LI-Hybrid
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education:
27. Master’s degree in agriculture related field
Experience:
28. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in research operations
29. Proven track record of managing complex projects and leading high-performing teams.
Skills and Abilities:
30. Ability to look several months forward to anticipate labor needs, resource needs, space requirements, etc. Research operations knowledge combined with prior management skills and the ability to supervise/handle multiple tasks at one time is critical.
31. Leadership capabilities to motivate others, initiate projects, lead meetings, make decisions, and effectively solve problems.
32. Positive “can do” attitude” with realistic goal setting
33. Excellent interpersonal/communication skills are required for fostering teamwork, enhancing a good working environment, and effectively developing strong working relationships with a diverse group of people
34. Being open and proactive in talking to all stakeholders (staff, peers, farmers, commercial team…)
35. Willingness to challenge the team and implement changes if necessary
36. Resilience and ability to keep positive attitude under stress
37. Knowledge about corn cultivation, agronomy, and trialing essential (if not corn then experience with other crops)
38. Knowledge about corn products and markets ideal, if not existing then the person should be motivated to acquire this knowledge with priority
39. Fluency in English and German; French is a plus.
Working Conditions
Primarily in a Research Center setting plus frequent visits to field locations.
High workload with long hours and weekend work during seasonal peaks. Occasional travel within region.
Why Join Us?
Innovative Environment:
40. Be part of a cutting-edge research center that is making significant contributions to agrisciences.
41. Work on groundbreaking projects that have the potential to shape the future.
Career Growth:
42. Enjoy opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Collaborative Culture:
43. Join a passionate and supportive team that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity.
44. Engage in a work environment that encourages open communication and the sharing of ideas.