Sr Manager, Agri Research, Innovations, & Technical Services

Dole Asia Company Limited; Polomolok; On-site; PHP 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Dole Asia Company Limited is seeking a Senior Director for Agri Research, Innovations, and Technical Services to lead strategic programs improving crop productivity and fruit quality in Polomolok, Philippines. This onsite role requires strong leadership and a track record in agricultural research management.

The candidate will steer research priorities, supervise technical teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and translate scientific findings into practical field improvements.

Qualifications

• Doctorate preferred in Agriculture or related field.
• Master’s degree may be considered with strong leadership and research experience.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in agricultural research and development, technical services, crop production, or related operations.
• Experience in pineapple production, high-value crops, plantation agriculture, or large-scale field operations preferred.
• Proven leadership of research programs, technical teams, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of GAP, soil fertility, plant nutrition, pest management, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and project management.
• Ability to translate technical recommendations into operational results and budget/risk management.
• Willing to relocate to Polomolok, South Cotabato and work onsite full-time.

Responsibilities

• Develops short-term and long-term research, innovation, and service priorities aligned with strategic direction and sustainability goals.
• Reviews proposals, progress and terminal reports to ensure scientific integrity and business value.
• Leads research action planning, including design, resource planning, field execution, monitoring, and documentation.
• Oversees Agri Technical Services and field surveys to support production operations and decision-making.
• Drives updates and compliance with Good Agricultural Practices and regulatory standards.
• Plans resources for R&D, technical services, field and quality support activities.
• Leads plant variety evaluation and technology development programs.
• Builds capability of research and technical teams with governance and documentation.

Education

Doctorate degree in Agriculture or related agricultural science discipline

Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related field, with strong leadership experience

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM! We’re On a Mission to Bring Sunshine for All®

Dole is one of the world's largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruits, with a growing line of quality packaged and frozen foods. Dole’s dedication to quality is a commitment solidly backed by: comprehensive programs for food safety, scientific crop protection programs, stringent quality control measures, state-of-the-art production and transportation technologies, continuous improvement through research and innovation, and dedication to the safety of their employees, communities and the environment.

At Dole, our culture is uniquely driven by core Values. Our commitment to these Values transforms our work into a meaningful journey toward a brighter future together. Here, you'll be part of a respectful, inclusive culture that deeply values our colleagues, customers, and global communities. We strive for excellence, empowering each other to confidently overcome challenges, continuously learn, and achieve world-class results. Guided by unwavering integrity, our actions consistently reflect our commitment to always doing what's right, fostering lasting trust and strong relationships. Through a spirit of collaboration, we cultivate positivity, generosity, and genuine teamwork, enabling collective success toward our One Dole Purpose. Our innovative spirit leads directly to meaningful outcomes and business success.

Job Purpose

The position exists to provide strategic leadership and technical direction for Agri Research, Innovations, and Technical Services in support of sustainable, productive, compliant, and cost-effective agricultural operations.

The role leads the development, evaluation, and implementation of research programs, innovation initiatives, technical services, field surveys, and agricultural best practices that improve crop productivity, fruit quality, operational efficiency, input utilization, regulatory compliance, and long-term business competitiveness.

Within approved budgets, company policies, regulatory requirements, and strategic business priorities, the position ensures that science-based recommendations, emerging technologies, and technical solutions are translated into practical, scalable, and measurable improvements across agricultural operations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Research Direction and Innovation Priorities

• Develops and communicates short-term and long-term research, innovation, and technical service priorities aligned with the company’s strategic direction, operational needs, sustainability goals, and Dole Promise.

Research Program Review, Evaluation, and Recommendations

• Reviews, evaluates, and approves research proposals, progress reports, terminal reports, and technical findings to ensure scientific integrity, operational relevance, and clear business value.

Research Implementation and Action Planning

• Leads and coordinates the preparation and implementation of research action plans, including project design, resource planning, field execution, monitoring, documentation, and completion.

Agri Technical Services and Field Support

• Oversees technical services and field survey activities that support production operations, diagnose field conditions, and guide decision-making.

Good Agricultural Practices and Regulatory Compliance

• Leads the updating, monitoring, and continuous improvement of agricultural practices and ensures support for compliance with company, industry, and government standards.

Logistics and Resource Planning for Research, Technical Services, and Quality Support

• Identifies, plans, and monitors resource requirements necessary to support R&D, Agri Technical Services, Field and Fruit Quality Assurance activities, and related technical programs.

Plant Variety Evaluation and Technology Development

• Leads programs related to plant variety evaluation, varietal improvement, and assessment of new technologies that may enhance productivity, fruit quality, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Capability Building and Technical Governance

• Builds the capability of research, innovation, and technical service teams while ensuring that scientific standards, research protocols, documentation, and governance practices are consistently applied.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Agriculture or any related agricultural science discipline is preferred.
• Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related field may be considered, provided the candidate has strong and relevant research leadership experience.
• At least five years of progressive experience in agricultural research and development, technical services, crop production, or related agricultural operations.
• Experience in pineapple production, high-value crop production, plantation agriculture, or large-scale field operations is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in leading research programs, technical teams, innovation projects, and cross-functional agricultural initiatives.
• The ideal candidate possesses strong knowledge of agricultural research, crop production systems, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), soil fertility, plant nutrition, pest management, experimental design, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and project management. The role requires a solid understanding of commercial agriculture, plantation operations, productivity improvement, budget and risk management, sustainability, and translating technical recommendations into operational results.
• Successful candidates are strategic and results-driven leaders with strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, communication, and project execution skills. They should demonstrate an innovation mindset, sound decision-making abilities, people development capabilities, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a dynamic agricultural environment.
• Willing to relocate to and be based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and work on a full-time onsite arrangement.