Field Operations Manager

Iowa Ag; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Field Operations Manager to lead agronomy teams and seasonal workers at the Durant, Iowa production location. You will drive safe, efficient seed field production and collaborate with growers to maximize crop quality and yields.

You will manage budgets, safety, and workforce plans while negotiating grower contracts and ensuring compliance with government programs and standards. This role requires on-site presence with travel up to 20% and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agribusiness, or related discipline.
• Experience leading field operations or agronomy teams.
• Knowledge of seed production, IPM practices, and safety standards.
• Ability to negotiate grower contracts and manage relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a Field Team ensuring crop quality from planting to delivery.
• Develop and own field budget, safety, quality, and workforce plans.
• Direct grower relations including acreage allocations and contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with Commercial team to align with customer needs and resolve issues.
• Oversee Integrated Pest Management activities including vendor management.
• Train agronomy and production teams and educate growers.

Skills

People management

Agriculture production

Seedsmanship

Contract negotiation

Problem solving

Driver's license

Pesticide license

Physical ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agribusiness, or related discipline

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture? At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.? Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science. We have an exciting opportunity for a Field Operations Manager to join our company and support our Durant, Iowa Production Location.

As a Field Operations Manager, you will lead a team of Agronomists and seasonal workers focused on safe and efficient management of seed field production processes. This role capitalizes on your leadership, communication, negotiation skills, and agronomic knowledge as you collaborate with Growers to achieve highest quality crops and yields.

VISA Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance is offered for this position. This role will be on-site at the Corteva location. Travel is a component of this role, up to 20%.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and develop a Field Team who ensure a quality crop is grown, harvested, and delivered on time to the production facility
• Develop and own Field budget, safety, quality, workforce plan, and strategy
• Direct all aspects of grower relations, including but not limited to: acreage allocations, contracts, conflict resolution.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with Commercial team to manage Grower/Rep relationships and remain informed of required Customer needs / issues
• As required, oversee Integrated Pest Management program, including but not limited to: vendor selection, agreement administration, hiring, developing, and managing of agronomy team and field staff
• Train and educate agronomy team, production team, and growers
• During harvest and conditioning, assist the plant in operational scheduling and decisions related to incoming seed readiness and quality
• Work with government certifying agencies to ensure all standards are met
• Evaluate and analyze the local competitive seed environment
• Serve as subject matter expert and maintain current knowledge of agronomic practices, government agricultural programs, and environmental issues related to all phases of seed production
• Study and identify best practices in planting, cultivation, harvesting, methods of weed/disease/insect control, technology, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agribusiness, or related discipline

What Skills You Need:

• People management experience
• Knowledge of production agriculture and plant operations
• Strong Seedsmanship skills and general product knowledge
• Contract negotiation experience
• Demonstrate problem solving skills, strategic analysis, and communication skills
• Hold a valid US Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record
• Willing and able to obtain appropriate pesticide applicator license/certification
• Able to perform all physical and technical demands of the job with or without accommodation
• Willingness and flexibility to work extra hours including, weekends and holidays, when required during seasonal peaks to ensure a successful and high producing yield

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Degree in agricultural related discipline
• Grower relations skills and experience
• Knowledge of specific crop contracts, specific crop quality plans, location field safety programs
• Knowledge of digital agriculture platforms

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.