Global Seed Production Research Leader

Ball Horticultural Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401k/Profit Sharing

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company’s PanAmerican Seed division seeks an experienced Seed Production Research Lead to steer global research programs aimed at optimizing flower and vegetable seed production, quality, and efficiency.

You will design trials, oversee labs and field experiments, mentor a diverse research team, and translate findings into practical, commercially relevant solutions across Production, Breeding, Operations and Commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Proof of strong seed production or horticulture research background.
• Experience leading research projects across greenhouse, lab, and field.
• Ability to design and manage rigorous experiments with sound statistics.
• Track record of translating research findings into practical business solutions.
• Experience managing and developing a research team.
• Strong communication skills across global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead global research initiatives to improve flower and vegetable seed production systems.
• Design, prioritize, and oversee greenhouse, laboratory, and field trials with sound experimental design.
• Analyze results and develop practical recommendations for data-driven decisions.
• Communicate findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and global teams.
• Collaborate with Production, Breeding, Operations, and Commercial teams to align priorities.
• Identify technologies and opportunities to improve seed production processes.
• Develop research proposals and reports to support continuous improvements.
• Manage multiple projects across global locations with timelines and resources.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to team members.

Skills

Seed production

Horticulture

Leadership

Experimental design

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD preferred

Master's degree + leadership experience

Job description

Ball Horticultural Company’s PanAmerican Seed division seeks an experienced Seed Production Research Lead to steer global research programs aimed at optimizing flower and vegetable seed production, quality, and efficiency.

You will design trials, oversee labs and field experiments, mentor a diverse research team, and translate findings into practical, commercially relevant solutions across Production, Breeding, Operations and Commercial teams.