R&D Agricultural Science Seed Technology Innovation Lead

TN United Kingdom; Leicester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an R&D Agricultural Science Seed Technology Innovation Lead in Leicester. This role is pivotal in driving growth through the adoption of new potato varieties, ensuring quality crop raw materials, and fostering strategic partnerships. You will lead initiatives that transform agricultural challenges into sustainable solutions, collaborating with a diverse team of experts. If you are passionate about advancing agricultural science and making a significant impact, this opportunity is designed for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in seed science and technology.
• Expertise in agriculture and crop management principles.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies for quality and efficiency in seed operations.
• Provide technical leadership and collaborate with seed producers.

Skills

Seed Science

Agricultural Technology

Project Management

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science

Master's Degree in Plant Breeding

Tools

Statistical Analysis Software

Project Management Tools

Job description

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R&D Agricultural Science Seed Technology Innovation Lead, Leicester

Client:

PepsiCo

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

32878eefdc58

Job Views:

12

Posted:

29.04.2025

Expiry Date:

13.06.2025

Job Description:

Overview

PepsiCo R&D is looking for R&D Agricultural Science Seed Technology Innovation Lead to join in Leicester.

Job Purpose

This position unlocks future growth and advances within new variety sector deployment in key crops through:

1. Ensure incorporation of leading capabilities and technologies in daily operations, transforming intractable raw material challenges into breakthrough solutions by driving adoption of new potato varieties to meet increasingly complex local market needs including consumer preference, disease tolerance and climate adaptability.
2. Deliver quality crop raw materials that use inputs more efficiently when they grow, produce less waste in the supply chain, and are processed into products that delight consumers. The multiplication and supply of quality potato seed is the foundation for a quality crop.
3. Develop strategic partnerships and collaborative internal (Global Sustainability Office, Sector Teams and Procurement) and external relationships (University and Industry partners) to translate project deliverables and research results into seed science and technology solutions for PepsiCo regional partners.
4. Collaborate with Trialing Lead to understand region-specific needs, specifications, and gaps in seed science, technology, and practices to meet consumer, processing, and sustainable production needs. Identify, evaluate, assess, and develop seed practices/technologies to ensure a full pipeline of solutions meeting region-specific capability gaps. Represent the team in ideation meetings and forums to provide expert input on opportunities for seed science, technologies, and practices.

Responsibilities

1. Implement strategy to drive quality and efficiency in seed ramp operations in alignment with Ag Science LT and wider business agenda. Ensure the appropriate capabilities are in place in the region to deliver the agreed strategies and portfolio - Execute
2. Provide technical leadership in seed science, technology and practices, and collaborate with seed producers/growers to support adoption of new varieties with improved quality for consumer, processing, storage or regulatory advantage to meet business objectives against strategic goals – Decide / Execute
3. Subject matter expert in seed science, technology and practices for business critical crop raw material streams (across R&D categories and Procurement) - Execute
4. Deliver projects which support quality and efficiency in seed ramp operations, including owning the experimental lifecycle: develop strategies, negotiate costs, design experiments, organize and analyze emergent data, generate reports, and present conclusions and recommendations back to the business - Execute
5. Provide AOP budget for global trialing activities and track spend against all projects - Execute
6. Provide regular and timely project progress updates to senior stakeholders to ensure continued alignment with business objectives – Execute / Influence
7. Negotiate with external parties to deliver cost-effective programs and secure proprietary positions for PepsiCo. Maintain all confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements regarding scientific research - Execute
8. Work in a highly collaborative environment that includes breeders, physiologists, molecular/biochemical scientists, agronomists, farm personnel, and technicians. Maintain external relationships, drive cultural evolution in PepsiCo teams and public collaborators around seed science and technology – Influence / Consult

Qualifications

1. Strongly desire 3+ years of commercial experience at an Agricultural Science company in seed science and technology.
2. Expertise in seed science and technology including regulatory aspects and commercialization.
3. Good understanding of agriculture, crop management, and plant breeding principles. Experience in vegetable, fruit, and/or grain crops preferred.
4. Thorough understanding of R&D processes and sufficient knowledge to identify critical issues and engage effectively with people.
5. Track record of success in managing project execution via internal and external collaborations and partnerships.
6. Previous experience in managing data streams, quantitative and statistical data analysis, and maintaining accurate records of scientific activities.
7. Proven leadership skills with a history of getting things done without having direct reporting lines.
8. Excellent communication and networking ability with internal and external audiences that have a wide range of scientific expertise.