Development Manager

Gowan Company; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An agricultural firm in Yuma, Arizona, seeks a Development Manager to oversee product development and coordinate field efficacy activities. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a related field and minimum seven years of experience in agricultural product development. Responsibilities include managing the budget, facilitating collaboration across teams, and aligning regional activities with global objectives. A strong knowledge of U.S. regulatory systems is required. This position offers a full-time salaried role with a focus on innovative agricultural practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural product development.
• Experience with U.S. regulatory systems and EPA registration.
• Ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee product development and field efficacy activities across the U.S.
• Coordinate activities of the GUSA development team.
• Manage the GUSA Active Ingredient Development Expense budget.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of U.S. regulatory systems

Interpersonal skills

Trial design knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry

PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

ARM

Optiva

SharePoint

Job description

Position Summary

As the development member of the GUSA management team, the Development Manager is responsible for overseeing, facilitating, and coordinating product development, field efficacy, data management objectives and budget needs across the United States. The role aligns regional development activities with global objectives and local market needs, while reinforcing sound procedures and compliance. The Development Manager will work to promote and achieve the registration and development of high-quality conventional and biorational products, and the deployment of outstanding agronomic practices across U.S. markets.

Job Status

• Full‑Time
• Salaried
• Reports to: President, GUSA

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Product Development & Field Activities

• Coordinate the activities of the GUSA development team, providing clear guidance on development, field efficacy and regulatory priorities in alignment with global strategy and resource allocation.
• Be a key point of contact for global functions and a key conduit for communication and alignment between regional and global departments.
• Identify new opportunities for the use of Gowan's conventional and biorational products currently registered across U.S. states and identify gaps and needs for future product development opportunities.
• Support regional project teams (Marketing, Field & Formulation Development, Regulatory) to ensure seamless cross‑functional coordination of activities including new product development, label expansion, and geographic expansion within the U.S. portfolio.
• Manage, coordinate and communicate the key objectives for the preparation of common protocols and assessments for early projects including alignment with agreed timelines.
• Manage, own, and coordinate resistance monitoring programs to ensure Gowan's U.S. stewardship strategy is effectively employed.
• Foster innovation and new product concept ideation suited to U.S. market needs.
• Support patent applications with substantive field data as required.

Budget & Data Management

• Assume responsibility for the implementation and tracking of the GUSA Active Ingredient Development Expense (AIDE) budget in coordination with the GUSA management team, monitoring expenditure throughout the fiscal year and ensuring efficient allocation of resources across personnel, trials, and third‑party providers.
• Ensure consistent trial design standards, data collection methodologies, and documentation practices are applied across all U.S. development activities to protect Gowan's intellectual property and maximize data value.
• Have key input into the global data management strategy, aligning the GUSA needs with global needs.

Knowledge Transfer & Collaboration

• Lead and direct the coordination of knowledge transfer among members of Gowan's GUSA commercial, marketing, and development teams.
• In coordination with other regions (EMEA, LATAM, and Asia), ensure consistency in development strategy, structure, and processes across the global portfolio, and promote the efficient use of knowledge developed in one region across others.
• Work closely with global asset teams to identify synergies and efficiencies in development and registration activities for U.S.-relevant assets.
• Develop and coordinate strong relationships with all relevant internal functions, including Regulatory, Marketing, Sales, and Global R&D.
• Establish a program for specific training and dissemination of new product attributes and characteristics targeting GUSA commercial, development, and technical teams.

Market & Regulatory Intelligence

• Develop an in-depth understanding of U.S. local and regional market dynamics, grower needs, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment.
• Support the generation and launch of technical marketing materials in collaboration with the commercial and marketing teams.
• Engage in project planning, prioritization, and implementation of development structures and processes suited to U.S. market requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field; PhD preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience working in agricultural product development, regulatory science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of and experience with U.S. regulatory systems and EPA registration processes.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Working knowledge of trial design, data collection methodologies, and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, ARM, Optiva, and SharePoint.
• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary, cross-regional teams.
• Passion for agriculture and a genuine belief in the role of technology in advancing modern agricultural practices.
• Demonstrated ability to execute within a fast-paced, global organization.