Sr Research Superstation Manager

AgReliant Genetics; Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GDM Seeds is seeking a Senior Research Superstation Manager to lead corn and soybean operations at a designated research site. You will drive innovation by implementing advanced field processes, ensuring safety, and fostering continuous improvement while developing team capabilities to support broader goals.

You will recruit and mentor staff, manage budgets, and champion rigorous data collection and analysis, including visualization using Tableau/Spotfire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related field and five years minimum in corn/soybean research management or 10+ years in the industry.
• Demonstrated leadership of teams and management of research operations.
• Experience in field data collection, analysis, and reporting with data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Operations & Testing teams for corn and soybean at designated sites.
• Standardize protocols and ensure alignment with objectives and budgets.
• Drive benchmarking, safety, and continuous improvement across stations.
• Develop equipment-use strategy and optimize research assets and PPE compliance.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop staff to build a high-performing team.
• Oversee daily workflow, performance reviews, and discipline per policy.

Skills

Corn operations

Soybean operations

Leadership

Team development

Safety culture

Cross-functional

Data visualization

Microsoft Office

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy

Tools

Tableau

Spotfire

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

WHO WE ARE

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match (eligible 1 st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
• Other benefits:Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.

Job Summary:

Responsible for all aspects of our corn and soybean operational activities at a designated research site. This role drives innovation by implementing advanced field processes and technologies, while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and professional development. The Senior Research Superstation Manager plays a key role in developing team capabilities to support broader organizational goals within the Research division.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage GDM’s corn and soybean Operations & Testing teams at assigned sites.
• Champion the standardization of protocols, methodologies, and best practices to ensure alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of all field activities, providing regular updates to internal stakeholders.
• Design and implement benchmarking strategies to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and support a comprehensive strategy for research equipment utilization and safety.
• Promote collaboration and team cohesion among station managers and research associates.
• Manage operational (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) budgets or allocated resources to achieve site and regional objectives.
• Champion the GDM Mission, Vision, Values in Breeding Operations and Research organizations.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop team members to build a high-performing workforce.
• Ensures adherence to all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and safety protocols.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Deep understanding of corn and soybean operations, with a proven ability to identify and resolve complex issues.
• Strong leadership and team development skills to build high-performing teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement to meet targets within budget and on schedule.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams to drive alignment and achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Proficient in managing multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in managing large datasets and using data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Spotfire).
• Ability to hold team members accountable while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, with the ability to lead by example and instill safe work practices across teams.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in corn and soybean research management, or 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing research operations.
• Proven expertise in field data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Significant experience in field data collection, analysis, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Spotfire).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and oversee performance Research Associates and seasonal workers.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new employees.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs
• Ability to travel up to 50%
• Must have valid driver’s license and meet MVR Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.