13 Manufacturing Lead jobs in South Africa

Brief Role Description

The core purpose of this position is to conduct project feasibility studies for local production activities in Africa as well as to drive, plan and implement production facilities in Africa.

This position will also act as project manager, on new business and strategy development, lead inter-divisional teams across brands and cultures and to drive and co-ordinate company African footprint.

The incumbent will also negotiate with external partners such as governmental authorities and production partners as well as engage with key stakeholders and determine internal and external factors affecting mid- (<5 years) to long-term (>5 years) needs. The position will also be required to establish and evaluate scenarios for Board decision.

Possible Tasks within this Role

To conduct project feasibility studies for local production activities

To lead an inter-divisional team across brands and cultures

Assume responsibility for the tracking and monitoring of project milestones as agreed by the Board of Management.

Anticipate issues and identify solutions and alternatives in advance by reviewing open tasks and deadlines as well as motivating and encouraging team members in order to ensure targets are fulfilled.

Represent the company within the Group as well as externally

To negotiate with external partners such as governmental authorities and production partners

To engage with Group, Regional, Local and external stakeholders to formulate, implement and monitor the Corporate regional strategy.

Identifying new business opportunities to promote sustainable development in African markets

Managing the evaluation as well as implementation of new projects, primarily local pro-duction activities, in Africa.

Supporting management in preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring of internal resources to ensure the effective execution of assigned projects.

Assisting management by acting as an internal consultant on new business and prioritized projects by engaging with stakeholders and determining internal and external factors affecting mid to long term needs.

Qualification requirements

Degree or Diploma in one of the fields of Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering or equivalent

Experience needed

Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management or strategy environment

Essentials

Negotiating and decision-making experience at a senior level

Financial analysis capability

Automotive experience an advantage

Ability to operate across a wide range of complex business segments

Ability to think, plan and execute at a strategic project management level

Sound decision-making ability

Ability to communicate with and lead teams at all levels

Ability to plan, execute and make decisions on projects and initiatives according to approved KPIs

Ability to monitor and track project progress, to anticipate, identify and resolve major issues and to report and escalate these to the Board or Steering Committees

Leading and motivating inter-divisional teams in a pressurized environment.

Conflict management ability

Experience in representing the Company, locally and internationally, at any level.

Ability to operate and negotiate across cultural lines

Ability to present to multi-national groups at all levels (Heads of Government, Ministers, CEO’s etc.)

Ability to analyze external environment, draw relevant insights and anticipate trends

Ability to develop, analyze and present scenarios

Lecturer/Junior Lecturer: Vegetable Production or Greenhouse Management

• Lecturer/Junior Lecturer: Vegetable Production or Greenhouse Management
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

Lecturer/Junior Lecturer: Vegetable Production or Greenhouse Management

Faculty of AgriSciences

Department of Agronomy

Ref. AW01/127/0625

The Department of Agronomy in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) is a recognised leader in the advancement of sustainable crop systems in South Africa. Our work spans cereal and oilseed crops, pastures, vegetables, hydroponics, and protected cropping, with strong links to commercial producers and research networks. We are seeking an academic to contribute to our teaching and research in vegetable production systems, with a strong emphasis on greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation.

Duties:

• Conducting and publishing high-quality research on hydroponic, greenhouse, and field-based vegetable production systems.
• Leading undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in vegetable physiology, crop management, and protected cropping systems.
• Developing and evaluating innovative, industry-current curricula and teaching materials.
• Securing external research funding and managing projects to support hydroponic, greenhouse and vegetable systems research.
• Establishing and maintaining national and international research and industry partnerships.
• Contributing to departmental administration and Faculty-level committees.
• Supporting transformation, community engagement, and industry outreach.

Requirements:

• MSc (for the appointment of junior lecturer), or a PhD (for the appointment of lecturer) in agronomy or a crop science-related field linked to vegetable production.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial vegetable production systems, including hydroponic and greenhouse technologies.
• A record of peer-reviewed research publications commensurate with the level of appointment.
• Willingness and the ability to supervise postgraduate students.
• The ability to attract and mange external research funding.
• Communication and digital skills for modern teaching, learning, and research.
• Willingness and the ability to obtain industry-related, applied research funding.

Recommendations:

• NRF rating or equivalent research recognition.
• National and or international recognition within the field or discipline.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistics for agricultural research.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse academic and industry teams.

Commencement of duties:

01 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

Enquiries regarding this post: Prof Pieter Swanepoel on , or at

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on (Stellenbosch) / (Tygerberg), or at

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as the institutional EE Plan of the University.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

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We're in need of a Lead with the powers to transform our production from chaos to coordination. If you can juggle schedules like a circus performer and make SAP Production Planning your playground, apply now and let's craft the perfect formula for success!

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IT
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in SAP S/4 HANA, SAP MM, WM, PP or SD module(s)
• Ability to debug SAP ABAP will be advantageous
• Knowledge of Supply Chain processes will be beneficial

The Job Requirements:

• Solid experience as an SAP Business Analyst within one or more of the following modules: MM, WM, PP or SD
• Knowledge and experience of how to plan projects, define deliverables and to control quality and cost matters
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment for ideation, prototyping and production
• Demonstrated business acumen to take from design to implementation and preferably experience scaling a concept
• Experience leading a product team will be of advantage

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the planning and coordination of activities required to steer the product to align with its strategic future roadmap
• Evaluation, documentation, scoping, and prioritization of new requirements
• Promote continuous improvement through implementation and management of new processes to enhance productivity output
• Participate and provide feedback on any activities where QA practices and risks are to be considered from the writing of user stories, pre-development testing notes and executing QA testing activities in accordance to processes and quality guidelines to identify defects / quality concerns in projects
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating the product budget
• Effective communication and feedback between IT product team and Business stakeholders

We're in need of a Lead with the powers to transform our production from chaos to coordination. If you can juggle schedules like a circus performer and make SAP Production Planning your playground, apply now and let's craft the perfect formula for success!

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IT
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in SAP S/4 HANA, SAP MM, WM, PP or SD module(s)
• Ability to debug SAP ABAP will be advantageous
• Knowledge of Supply Chain processes will be beneficial

The Job Requirements:

• Solid experience as an SAP Business Analyst within one or more of the following modules: MM, WM, PP or SD
• Knowledge and experience of how to plan projects, define deliverables and to control quality and cost matters
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment for ideation, prototyping and production
• Demonstrated business acumen to take from design to implementation and preferably experience scaling a concept
• Experience leading a product team will be of advantage

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the planning and coordination of activities required to steer the product to align with its strategic future roadmap
• Evaluation, documentation, scoping, and prioritization of new requirements
• Promote continuous improvement through implementation and management of new processes to enhance productivity output
• Participate and provide feedback on any activities where QA practices and risks are to be considered from the writing of user stories, pre-development testing notes and executing QA testing activities in accordance to processes and quality guidelines to identify defects / quality concerns in projects
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating the product budget
• Effective communication and feedback between IT product team and Business stakeholders

GROWING WHAT MATTERS STARTS WITH YOU

Corteva Agriscience, the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

#GrowWhatMatters

We’re hiring for: Research Center Operations Lead (Nursery and Seed Production)

Location: Letsitele, Limpopo

The Research Center Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management at the Research Center and serves as the liaison between all processes at the center level and serves as the overall key contact for the center. This individual ensures safe, effective and efficient management of Research Center processes at the local level and plans for Research resources (manpower, machinery, equipment and tools and facilities) needed to produce high quality data, on-time field operations and seed production deliverables. You will be responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of all activities for the site. This will include the operation and management of a high intensity continuous nursery and the coordination of high value precision phenotyping/field testing efforts. In your role you will drive results through continuous improvement and operational excellence in a research environment, ensuring regulatory compliance. You will work with a diverse range of people, cultures, research programs, and operations to plan, execute, and optimize a high-precision continuous research site. This position will require excellent collaboration, planning and management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary setting managing stakeholder needs in an ever-changing technology environment. Success in this position will require excellent planning, attention to detail, operational management and agility while managing multiple workflows concurrently. This role ensures the production of high-quality research seed supporting our research field testing operations and regional seed brands.

The Research Center Operations Lead at Corteva’s Letsitele Center will be responsible for the planning, sourcing and implementation of future-focused research operational capacity including, but not limited to: Facilities, land availability, equipment and team hiring/development, in an ever-changing technology and precision agriculture environment.

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. You will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology.

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

The Seed Product Development team is responsible for designing, developing and executing the Corteva Agriscience research programs which advance genetic gain and develop seed products to bring to market. The team you will be working in supports the Africa Middle East Seed Product Development teams.

Operational:

• Manage and accountable for the daily center operations, ensuring on-time completions to meet research and business needs.
• Responsible for all agronomy and research management on site to ensure high-quality products and data for crops planted, including but not limited to planning, field preparation, crop management, regulatory requirements, sampling, pollination, harvesting, packaging and shipping.
• 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.
• Manage research operations through subordinate staff that have full accountabilities for their respective area(s).
• Coordinate leadership team meetings by developing agendas, schedules, and ensuring appropriate follow-ups.
• Effective management of land cooperators and off –site storage.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the farm, research equipment, and facilities, including off-site storage.
• Accountable for the implementation of research quality management systems on the site, facilitate audit requirements. Ensure Regulatory compliance
• Meet with employees individually to stay abreast of business issues, workload levels, and employee concerns.
• May participate in field activities as determined by specific location needs.
• Manage all contingent/seasonal staff needs prioritizing tasks in collaboration with teams of specialists (agronomy and seed production).

Field Testing Network:

• Contribute to the planning, management and execution of Field Testing activities assigned to the site
• Ensure regulatory and stewardship requirements are implemented and maintained at all times
• Ensure data requirements for all on-station and off-station are of the highest quality and on time.

Tactical Planning (3-12 months):

• Work with research center leadership team to proactively forecast and anticipate work demands, resource needs, and space requirements for both short- and long-term planning.
• Review of operations and fixed projections and implement corrective actions to meet production and budget targets.
• Provide feedback regarding the center’s operating and capital budgets; monitor and manage capacity constraints, labor scheduling, and equipment issues.
• Identify, establish and implement best practices and ensure these practices are sustained.
• Monitor and manage capacity constraints, equipment problems, labor scheduling, etc. to ensure research goals are met.
• Identify and resolve problems with help as needed from the local team, Operational Leadership teams and upper management (Logistics Lead, Scientists and EZ Leads, etc.).
• Collaborate with breeders, research scientists, and other specialists to establish and achieve project objectives.
• Analyze, review and maintain high standards of data quality and research integrity throughout all stages of research processes and testing.
• Connect with external vendors and manage relationships as needed.

Teamwork and Employee Development:

• Coach, support and develop employees on their team in a manner that fosters effective collaboration and teamwork, demonstrating and modeling the Core Values.
• Establish and support individual and team performance goals that are attainable and aligned with business strategy.
• 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.
• Recognize and value employees through ongoing recognition of individual and team results.
• Strongly encourage employee feedback and ideas for process improvements.
• Implement and train staff on new equipment, processes, and best productivity practices.
• Guide and coach employees through unforeseen or challenging situations.

Promote a Culture that Demonstrates Core Values While Generating High Quality Results

• Promote health, safety, and environmentally- friendly practices
• Ensure SHE programs are implemented and fully executed
• Foster a positive Safety Culture on and off the job
• 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.
• Ensures that the research facility maintains its social license to operate through community engagement initiatives

Scientific:

• Ensures that all operational practices are agronomically sound
• 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.
• Provide management, scientific leadership and creativity when initiating, designing, and executing research within/across projects.
• Remain current on new technology by participating in professional meetings, career development activities and by encouraging others to bring information into research activities.
• May be involved with scientific studies to support breeding programs or processes per the employees interest and skill set (molecular breeding involvement, product advancement, regulated testing, seed production technologies, disease related work, etc.)
• May monitor research progress and meet with participating researchers to identify problems and opportunities impacting the business unit.
• May serve on teams appropriate to cross project research initiatives.

Key Stakeholders and Interactions :

You will work in collaboration with a team of Operational Leads across Africa to meet the internal customer needs of teams of research scientists, seed production, field testing and regulatory testing teams. You will manage relationships with external partners and vendors to accomplish the research center objectives.

Location:

Letsitele - Limpopo

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• Master's Degree or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture Science related field
• 5 -7 years’ experience in field/horticultural operations is required; experience in the seed industry is preferred.
• Strong background in agronomy and plant cultivation
• Strong working knowledge of high intensity plant production environment and nursery management required
• Experience in maize cropping and maize seed production will be advantageous
• Extensive knowledge on pesticides and herbicides would be beneficial.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience of operational teams is critically required
• Proven ability to make timely decisions, solve problems and build consensus.
• 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
• Ability to supervise/handle multiple tasks at one time is critical.
• Proven ability to make timely decisions and solve problems
• Proven success in outcomes based biological operations
• Strongly self-motivated with the capability to motivate others, initiate projects, make decisions and solve problems while remaining goal/project focused.
• Requires ability to look several months forward to anticipate labor needs, resource needs, space requirements, etc.
• High aptitude for learning.
• High workload with long hours and weekend work during seasonal peaks which includes frequent visits to field locations including occasional overnight travel, sometimes for an extended period.
• Physical ability to lift 15kg, ability to work outside in all kinds of weather, ability to stand/sit for extended periods.
• Experience in, and knowledge of, biotechnology regulatory frameworks would be significantly advantageous.
• Experience with irrigation systems and scheduling.
• Technical and mechanical skills for troubleshooting, maintenance and upkeep of equipment, to ensure excellent condition and safety of equipment at any time.
• Proficiency in current MS Office suite with capability to learn proprietary software tools for crop and production management.
• Familiarity with quality frameworks (e.g. ISO/GAP) for compliance with safety regulations, country laws, phytosanitary needs.
• Experience in coaching others to develop and implement SOP’s or protocol will be beneficial.
• Ability to plan and communicate planning will be key to success
• Ability to think strategically while balancing day to day practical needs to ensure execution
• Ability to solve complex problems to meet strict seasonal timelines
• Ability to work outside in all kinds of weather, and after-hours when required (certain chemical applications could fall outside normal operating hours) and the operating environment is determines by crop and biology needs.
• Valid driver’s license is required, current ability to operate agricultural equipment is preferred, capability to learn to operate equipment will be required.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility

#LI-NK2

To know more about Corteva please watch this video:

GROWING WHAT MATTERS STARTS WITH YOU

Corteva Agriscience, the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

#GrowWhatMatters

We’re hiring for: Research Center Operations Lead (Nursery and Seed Production)

Location: Letsitele, Limpopo

The Research Center Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management at the Research Center and serves as the liaison between all processes at the center level and serves as the overall key contact for the center. This individual ensures safe, effective and efficient management of Research Center processes at the local level and plans for Research resources (manpower, machinery, equipment and tools and facilities) needed to produce high quality data, on-time field operations and seed production deliverables. You will be responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of all activities for the site. This will include the operation and management of a high intensity continuous nursery and the coordination of high value precision phenotyping/field testing efforts. In your role you will drive results through continuous improvement and operational excellence in a research environment, ensuring regulatory compliance. You will work with a diverse range of people, cultures, research programs, and operations to plan, execute, and optimize a high-precision continuous research site. This position will require excellent collaboration, planning and management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary setting managing stakeholder needs in an ever-changing technology environment. Success in this position will require excellent planning, attention to detail, operational management and agility while managing multiple workflows concurrently. This role ensures the production of high-quality research seed supporting our research field testing operations and regional seed brands.

The Research Center Operations Lead at Corteva’s Letsitele Center will be responsible for the planning, sourcing and implementation of future-focused research operational capacity including, but not limited to: Facilities, land availability, equipment and team hiring/development, in an ever-changing technology and precision agriculture environment.

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. You will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology.

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

The Seed Product Development team is responsible for designing, developing and executing the Corteva Agriscience research programs which advance genetic gain and develop seed products to bring to market. The team you will be working in supports the Africa Middle East Seed Product Development teams.

Operational:

• Manage and accountable for the daily center operations, ensuring on-time completions to meet research and business needs.
• Responsible for all agronomy and research management on site to ensure high-quality products and data for crops planted, including but not limited to planning, field preparation, crop management, regulatory requirements, sampling, pollination, harvesting, packaging and shipping.
• 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.
• Manage research operations through subordinate staff that have full accountabilities for their respective area(s).
• Coordinate leadership team meetings by developing agendas, schedules, and ensuring appropriate follow-ups.
• Effective management of land cooperators and off –site storage.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the farm, research equipment, and facilities, including off-site storage.
• Accountable for the implementation of research quality management systems on the site, facilitate audit requirements. Ensure Regulatory compliance
• Meet with employees individually to stay abreast of business issues, workload levels, and employee concerns.
• May participate in field activities as determined by specific location needs.
• Manage all contingent/seasonal staff needs prioritizing tasks in collaboration with teams of specialists (agronomy and seed production).

Field Testing Network:

• Contribute to the planning, management and execution of Field Testing activities assigned to the site
• Ensure regulatory and stewardship requirements are implemented and maintained at all times
• Ensure data requirements for all on-station and off-station are of the highest quality and on time.

Tactical Planning (3-12 months):

• Work with research center leadership team to proactively forecast and anticipate work demands, resource needs, and space requirements for both short- and long-term planning.
• Review of operations and fixed projections and implement corrective actions to meet production and budget targets.
• Provide feedback regarding the center’s operating and capital budgets; monitor and manage capacity constraints, labor scheduling, and equipment issues.
• Identify, establish and implement best practices and ensure these practices are sustained.
• Monitor and manage capacity constraints, equipment problems, labor scheduling, etc. to ensure research goals are met.
• Identify and resolve problems with help as needed from the local team, Operational Leadership teams and upper management (Logistics Lead, Scientists and EZ Leads, etc.).
• Collaborate with breeders, research scientists, and other specialists to establish and achieve project objectives.
• Analyze, review and maintain high standards of data quality and research integrity throughout all stages of research processes and testing.
• Connect with external vendors and manage relationships as needed.

Teamwork and Employee Development:

• Coach, support and develop employees on their team in a manner that fosters effective collaboration and teamwork, demonstrating and modeling the Core Values.
• Establish and support individual and team performance goals that are attainable and aligned with business strategy.
• 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.
• Recognize and value employees through ongoing recognition of individual and team results.
• Strongly encourage employee feedback and ideas for process improvements.
• Implement and train staff on new equipment, processes, and best productivity practices.
• Guide and coach employees through unforeseen or challenging situations.

Promote a Culture that Demonstrates Core Values While Generating High Quality Results

• Promote health, safety, and environmentally- friendly practices
• Ensure SHE programs are implemented and fully executed
• Foster a positive Safety Culture on and off the job
• 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.
• Ensures that the research facility maintains its social license to operate through community engagement initiatives

Scientific:

• Ensures that all operational practices are agronomically sound
• 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.
• Provide management, scientific leadership and creativity when initiating, designing, and executing research within/across projects.
• Remain current on new technology by participating in professional meetings, career development activities and by encouraging others to bring information into research activities.
• May be involved with scientific studies to support breeding programs or processes per the employees interest and skill set (molecular breeding involvement, product advancement, regulated testing, seed production technologies, disease related work, etc.)
• May monitor research progress and meet with participating researchers to identify problems and opportunities impacting the business unit.
• May serve on teams appropriate to cross project research initiatives.

Key Stakeholders and Interactions :

You will work in collaboration with a team of Operational Leads across Africa to meet the internal customer needs of teams of research scientists, seed production, field testing and regulatory testing teams. You will manage relationships with external partners and vendors to accomplish the research center objectives.

Location:

Letsitele - Limpopo

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• Master's Degree or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture Science related field
• 5 -7 years’ experience in field/horticultural operations is required; experience in the seed industry is preferred.
• Strong background in agronomy and plant cultivation
• Strong working knowledge of high intensity plant production environment and nursery management required
• Experience in maize cropping and maize seed production will be advantageous
• Extensive knowledge on pesticides and herbicides would be beneficial.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience of operational teams is critically required
• Proven ability to make timely decisions, solve problems and build consensus.
• 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
• Ability to supervise/handle multiple tasks at one time is critical.
• Proven ability to make timely decisions and solve problems
• Proven success in outcomes based biological operations
• Strongly self-motivated with the capability to motivate others, initiate projects, make decisions and solve problems while remaining goal/project focused.
• Requires ability to look several months forward to anticipate labor needs, resource needs, space requirements, etc.
• High aptitude for learning.
• High workload with long hours and weekend work during seasonal peaks which includes frequent visits to field locations including occasional overnight travel, sometimes for an extended period.
• Physical ability to lift 15kg, ability to work outside in all kinds of weather, ability to stand/sit for extended periods.
• Experience in, and knowledge of, biotechnology regulatory frameworks would be significantly advantageous.
• Experience with irrigation systems and scheduling.
• Technical and mechanical skills for troubleshooting, maintenance and upkeep of equipment, to ensure excellent condition and safety of equipment at any time.
• Proficiency in current MS Office suite with capability to learn proprietary software tools for crop and production management.
• Familiarity with quality frameworks (e.g. ISO/GAP) for compliance with safety regulations, country laws, phytosanitary needs.
• Experience in coaching others to develop and implement SOP’s or protocol will be beneficial.
• Ability to plan and communicate planning will be key to success
• Ability to think strategically while balancing day to day practical needs to ensure execution
• Ability to solve complex problems to meet strict seasonal timelines
• Ability to work outside in all kinds of weather, and after-hours when required (certain chemical applications could fall outside normal operating hours) and the operating environment is determines by crop and biology needs.
• Valid driver’s license is required, current ability to operate agricultural equipment is preferred, capability to learn to operate equipment will be required.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility

#LI-NK2

To know more about Corteva please watch this video: