Development Lead Assistant

United Phosphorus Limited; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global provider of sustainable agriculture solutions is seeking a Development Lead Assistant in Pretoria, South Africa. This role involves providing scientific support to development project leads, maintaining and analyzing trial data, and coordinating trial programmes. Candidates should have a BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences and experience in the agrochemical industry. Strong analytical thinking and effective communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Experience in the agrochemical industry is essential.
• Ability to manage activities within set timelines.
• Creative mindset and risk-taking capacity are required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze project and trial data in databases.
• Monitor and update company portfolio labels for anomalies.
• Plan and coordinate trial programmes with Development Leads.

Skills

Agrochemical industry experience

Statistical understanding in a biological context

Analytical thinking

Meticulous written communication

Education

BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences

Job description

Company Overview

UPL Limited (NSE: UPL, BSE:, LSE: UPLL) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $6bn.

We are a purpose‑led company focused on accelerating progress for the food system through Open Ag®. Our portfolio includes biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14 registrations and a presence in more than 10 countries.

Job Details

Department: R&D Regulatory – Registrations

Function: Field Research & Technical Development

Employee Type: Permanent Full Time

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Job Title: Development Lead Assistant

Role Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide scientific support to the Development Project Leads (Insecticides, Herbicides, Fungicides & Bio‑Solutions) on a day‑to‑day basis.

Responsibilities

• Trial Data Maintenance & Analysis

  Locating, collating and maintaining project and trial data in development databases.

  Following up with CROs on trial reports and data to ensure the project lead has all relevant information in an orderly and timely manner.

  Analysing and summarising trial data, highlighting consistency with protocol directives and registration guidelines, and identifying potential anomalies.

  Conducting advanced agrochemical research for literature reviews.

  Attending all departmental meetings and recording minutes.

• Product Label Maintenance

  Continuously monitoring and reviewing company portfolio labels for anomalies and mistakes; updating as necessary.

• Trial Programme Planning & Coordination

  Planning trial programmes with Development Leads to ensure timely execution.

  Coordinating GEP & GLP trial plans with CROs and study directors, ensuring seasonal and application timing windows are met.

  Managing CROs and expected outcomes, ensuring reports/results align with seasonal timelines.

  Maintaining R&D stock levels in liaison with the Development Logistics Assistant to ensure sufficient product samples for trials.

Qualifications

• Technical Requirements: BSc degree in Agricultural or Natural Sciences; experience in agrochemical industry; Crop Life Basic Crop Protection Certificate; statistical understanding in a biological context.
• Behavioural Requirements: Ability to prioritise and manage activities within set timelines; work independently under pressure while maintaining accuracy; meticulous written communication; analytical thinking; adaptability and resilience; creative mindset; risk‑taking capacity.

Core Competencies

• Results Orientation: Pursues goals with persistence, communicates vision to inspire team enthusiasm, and enhances execution speed while maintaining quality focus.
• Strategic Orientation: Demonstrates understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors and their impact on business; identifies key issues and develops strategy through analytical and design‑thinking approaches.
• Building Teams & Talent: Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, establishes rapport quickly, and recognizes achievements.
• Customer Centricity: Understands customer needs and pain points, fulfills expectations by creating value for customers.

Stakeholder Interaction

Internal: Regulatory, Development Logistics.

External: Contract Research Organisations, External Contractors.