Field Testing Sub-hub Lead-Africa

Bayer; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A global life sciences company is seeking a Field Testing Sub-hub Lead for Africa in Gauteng, South Africa. In this role, you will manage field testing teams, oversee innovative agricultural projects, and ensure successful technology implementation. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MS in Plant Breeding or Agronomy, alongside extensive project management experience in agricultural research. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in people and project management within agricultural research.
• Proven success in managing complex programs and implementing innovative solutions.
• Strong project management skills for multifaceted projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive performance and development of the sub-regional Field Testing team.
• Oversee breeding field testing sites and ensure product evaluation.
• Champion change by driving innovations to improve efficiency.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Innovation in agricultural practices

Communication

Education

PhD or MS in Plant Breeding or Agronomy

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

At Bayer, we’re visionaries driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges, striving for a world where Health for all, Hunger for none is no longer just a dream but a reality. We approach this with energy, curiosity, and dedication, learning from diverse perspectives to expand our thinking, grow our capabilities, and redefine the impossible. Join us if you’re eager to build a meaningful career in a community of brilliant minds and make a real difference.

Field Testing Sub-hub Lead - Africa

Job Purpose:

• The Field Testing Sub-hub Lead (FTL) for Africa is a people manager with strong visionary, architect, coaching, and catalyst skills, responsible for driving the performance and development of the sub-regional Field Testing team.
• The FTL establishes sub-regional capabilities aligned with strategy and priorities, fostering innovation to ensure successful technology implementation and ongoing operational improvements.
• The FTL oversees multiple breeding field testing sites across South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, ensuring timely product evaluation and data collection from planting to harvest over crop cycles of corn for Seeds & Traits pipelines.
• The role is critical in interfacing with business stakeholders to support the growth of the S&T portfolio in the region.

Key Tasks and Competencies:

• Develop and maintain a strong regional team culture, ensuring safe and efficient research operations in compliance with Bayer’s HSE, ethics, and business standards.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new team members as needed.
• Champion change by driving innovations to improve field testing efficiency and data quality.
• Implement regional strategies to meet project and organizational goals, including transitioning data generation responsibilities from the commercial team to ensure commercial success.
• Ensure scientific excellence within the workspace.
• Collaborate with global and regional teams, providing coaching and leadership.
• Use metrics to evaluate team performance and share best practices for data quality enhancement.
• Promote continuous improvement in agricultural practices and processes across the region.
• Engage with local communities to support sustainability objectives, leading planning and implementation activities.
• Act as the regional external point of contact.

Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD or MS in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or related field, with 7+ years of experience in people and project management within agricultural research.
• Proven success in managing complex programs and implementing innovative solutions.
• Strong project management skills for multi-faceted projects leading to measurable growth.
• Advanced computer skills and knowledge of data analysis software.
• Good understanding of statistics and experimental design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Experience in developing teams and managing change effectively.

Location:

South Africa: Gauteng

Division: Crop Science

Reference Code: 847107

Bayer is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.