Project Manager

Vermont Creamery, L.L.C.; Arden Hills (MN); Remote; USD 105,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company seeks a Project Manager to oversee the Forage Genetics Intl. project. This remote position involves managing research projects, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring successful project transitions. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in agronomy and project management, with the ability to lead and innovate within a cross-functional environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

401k

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in agricultural research and development.
• Ability to evaluate statistics and research methodology.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Forage Genetics Intl. project and trait pipeline.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor others within the R&D organization.

Skills

Project Management

Critical Thinking

Relationship Management

Education

Master’s degree in agronomy

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Software

Job description

Project Manager

This position is Remote (Home Based) with expectation of 10% travel.

The Project Manager will provide vital leadership and expertise in managing the Forage Genetics Intl. (FGI) project and trait pipeline.Will manage process of introducing new research projects, both applied and breeding, into FGI’s pipeline and managing several of our outreach/ industry programs. Ensure smooth handoff of new projects from the discovery phase to the commercialization phase. This would include developing and managing a stage gate process. The Project Manager will also collaborate closely with others outside of FGI in similar roles, including with the Winfield Innovation Center team, as well as within Animal Nutrition and Dairy Foods. It is imperative that the project manager be able to strategically evaluate potential for collaboration both internally and externally, to continue the success of FGI as well as other LOL business units.

Project Management (60%):

Prioritize projects and plan efficient workflow:

• Serve as an expert project manager on Discovery projects relating to novel traits in forage crops.
• Develop and implement appropriate experimental designs to phenotypically evaluate new traits and apply appropriate statistical evaluations to test as many experimental varieties within existing resources in the shortest possible timeframe.
• Hand off projects at advanced pilot stage to breeding, regulatory, product development or marketing teams, as appropriate.
• Meet regularly with internal stakeholders, related product development, and product commercialization leads, as needed.
• Mentor others within the R&D organization, and help to make connections both internal and external to FGI

External Collaboration & Thought Leadership (40%):

Pursue new opportunities for novel traits in alfalfa by serving as a liaison to potential collaborators, monitoring trends, attending professional activities and associations, identifying leads, building relationships.

• Provide data, insights, and training on products to internal audiences including Research Managers, Product Development Managers, and sales staff.
• Interact with customers and sales staff to learn about end-user needs and opportunities for innovation through internal events, market research projects, and one-on-one conversations. Co-own and maintain the Master Focus Group, and identify any potential need for further industry follow up and connections.
• Coordinate quarterly meetings with the FGI leadership team to brainstorm new ideas, review data and current projects, and update innovation platforms.
• Collaborate with other project managers throughout the enterprise to ensure cohesiveness and collaboration where appropriate, as well as advocate for FGI needs and capabilities to other groups.
• Travel to FGI research stations, conferences, and meetings. Attend several field days as an FGI representative, as well as owner of the Master Focus Group and FGI R&D leadership team.

Required Experience and Education:

• Master’s degree in agronomy or equivalent, plant biology, plant breeding, or closely aligned field with 5+ years’ experience in agricultural research and development in those areas; or bachelor’s degree with 10 years related experience.
• Extensive knowledge in managing and research and developing appropriate data and support materials. Ability to evaluate statistics and research methodology to improve processes and meet quality standards. Substantial knowledge of business and technical aspects of the product areas and technology is required.
• Strong understanding of business case development, financial modeling, levers that drive a P&L, and understanding of marketing principles.
• Experience working with or exposure to industry, university, and government groups on relevant issues.
• Creative problem solver who can provide leadership, vision, and innovation.
• Must be able to work within a cross functional group setting with significant collaboration. Able to manage multiple projects concurrently and influence without direct authority.
• Must be willing to travel up to 15%.

Competencies and other Skills:

• Planning and Managing Work – Effectively organizes time, people, and activities. Develops and guides processes to get things done. Leverages others expertise to accomplish goals. Establishes courses of action and follows through to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Critical Thinking Skills – Gathers and integrates critical information, recognizing and addressing underlying assumptions of others, to arrive at effective solutions. Breaks down problems into simple tasks or activities. Analyzes relationships among several parts of a problem or situation.
• Delivers Results – Makes commitments and keeps them. Gets things done in collapsed time frames. Reduces complexity and increases focus. Delivers industry leading results.
• Ability to follow up on many concurrent projects with numerous contributors and tight timelines.
• Ability to reprioritize regularly and quickly respond to internal and external customers.
• Effective relationship management with good interpersonal skills.
• Delivers clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communications appropriate to one’s audience(s).
• Eye for detail to ensure accuracy, continuity, and completeness of all information.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office Software and ability to learn new programs.

Salary Range: $105,040 - $157,560

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

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