Regional EHS Operations Manager EMEA

Vylor; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a Regional EHS Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for EHS across Seeds R&D in EMEA. The role emphasizes safety culture, compliance, and continuous improvement, partnering with global teams to align standards and deliver on business priorities.

The successful candidate will lead an EMEA EHS team, manage field research safety, large equipment, seed handling, and contractor safety while driving performance through metrics and training programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, health and safety, engineering, science, agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant EHS experience in agricultural/research/industrial setting.
• Fluent English communication skills (C1 level).
• Willingness to travel 30–40% to support sites and regional priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the EMEA Seeds R&D and Vylor EHS program, building capability across regions.
• Develop and implement an annual EHS strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Drive incident prevention, training, audits, and license-to-stop-work engagement.
• Collaborate with global and regional leaders to standardize EHS processes and improve safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

EHS Expertise

Stakeholder Engagement

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's in EHS

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting‑edge biotech, and next‑generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor is seeking a Regional EHS Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational EHS leadership for Seeds R&D activities across EMEA.

At Vylor, our teams are advancing the future of agriculture through innovation, science, and operational excellence. In this role, you will help enable that work by strengthening a culture where safety, compliance, and continuous improvement are embedded in daily operations.

The Regional EHS Operations Manager will lead environment, health, and safety performance for EMEA Seeds R&D Operations, with a strong focus on Vylor and the agricultural research activities that support seed innovation. This role will lead and develop an EMEA EHS team, strengthen a positive and proactive safety culture, ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and deliver EHS objectives that support short- and long-term business priorities for Seeds R&D and Vylor. The role will ensure the unique risks and operational needs of Seeds R&D are reflected in the EHS strategy, including field research, large equipment and machinery, seed handling and treatment, motor vehicle safety, contractor and seasonal workforce activities, incident prevention and response, and License to Stop Work engagement. The Regional EHS Operations Manager will partner closely with Vylor EHS, Seeds R&D, Emergency Response & Security Leadership, Operations Leads, and SPD Safety Specialists to align priorities, implement consistent work processes, apply best practices and effective technologies, analyze performance trends, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across the Seeds R&D and Vylor business. This role requires a collaborative leader who builds strong partnerships across regional and global teams while developing EHS capability, competency, and engagement across the organization.

Success in this role requires more than compliance. The Regional EHS Operations Manager will lead through influence, build trust, and champion a culture where employees are empowered to speak up, intervene, and continuously improve safety performance across EMEA Seeds R&D operations.

Responsibilities - What You Will Do

• People Leadership
  • Manage, coach, and develop direct report(s) to support effective EHS execution across the region.
  • Lead the EMEA EHS team in providing environmental, health, safety, process safety/containment, and motor vehicle expertise for Seeds R&D and Vylor operations.
  • Partner with EHS Leadership to support emergency services and security initiatives across Global R&D.
  • Partner with Global R&D, Seeds R&D, Vylor, SPD Safety Specialists, and Operations Leads to implement best practices and strengthen ownership of EHS performance.
  • Measure team and functional performance against established goals, business needs, and stakeholder expectations; develop improvement plans as needed.
  • Attract, develop, and retain strong EHS talent to support effective implementation of EHS processes, training, tools, and programs.
  • Inspire and engage colleagues to deliver strong performance, continuous improvement, and a positive employee experience.
  • Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and performance management for direct reports.
• Program and Project Management
  • Develop and execute the annual EHS strategy aligned with Seeds R&D and Vylor business priorities.
  • Lead Seeds R&D and Vylor safety programs and initiatives related to field research, large equipment and machinery, seed handling and treatment, storage and material movement, motor vehicle and fleet safety, contractor and seasonal workforce safety, ergonomics, incident prevention, and License to Stop Work engagement.
  • Strengthen incident management processes, including learning capture, corrective action quality, action item closure, and effectiveness verification for Seeds R&D and Vylor operations.
  • Develop, administer, and support EHS training programs that build capability and reinforce safe work practices.
  • Collaborate with EHS Leaders, SPD Safety Specialists, and Operations Leads to communicate, support, and execute Seeds R&D and Vylor plans consistently across the region.
  • Align EMEA EHS team priorities, establish objectives, track progress, and build team capability.
• EHS Operations Management
  • Use EHS metrics, leading indicators, and performance trends to drive continuous improvement in environmental, health, safety, process safety/containment, field research, large equipment, seed handling, motor vehicle safety, and License to Stop Work performance for Seeds R&D and Vylor.
  • Ensure EMEA Seeds R&D and Vylor operations maintain compliance with Vylor EHS standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Validate completion and effectiveness of self‑assessments, audits, incident corrective actions, and regulatory compliance corrective actions for EMEA Seeds R&D and Vylor sites.
  • Connect sites, SPD Safety Specialists, and Operations Leads with technical resources, tools, and solutions that enable successful execution of Seeds R&D and Vylor EHS programs.
• Networking and Collaboration
  • Serve as the regional EHS point of contact for Seeds R&D and Vylor on regional leadership teams.
  • Establish effective partnership routines with SPD Safety Specialists and Operations Leads to align safety priorities, share learnings, address risks, and strengthen execution at the site and field level.
  • Participate in global EHS networks and leadership forums to share learnings, align priorities, and advance EHS performance.
  • Engage in global cross‑functional networks and leadership forums to support alignment, collaboration, and effective execution.
  • Support community initiatives and communication networks that help sustain Vylor’s public License to Operate.
  • Represent EHS through value‑based participation in relevant industry, professional, and external networks.

Location

South Africa or Spain. Other EMEA locations will be considered.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, health and safety, engineering, science, agriculture, or a related discipline, preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant EHS experience in an agricultural, research, manufacturing, industrial, or operations environment.
• Fluent English communication skills (C1 level), including the ability to communicate effectively with regional and global stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30–40% to support sites, field operations, leadership engagement, and regional EHS priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to coach, mentor, influence, and develop EHS professionals and cross‑functional partners.
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented approach with the ability to take initiative, make sound decisions, and drive results in a complex regional environment.
• Strong consultation, facilitation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage leaders and teams at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with SPD Safety Specialists, Operations Leads, business leaders, and site teams.
• Working knowledge of EHS management systems, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, incident management, auditing, corrective action processes, and operational work processes.
• Experience supporting safety programs relevant to Seeds R&D or agricultural operations, such as field research, large equipment and machinery, seed handling and treatment, motor vehicle safety, contractor and seasonal workforce safety, and License to Stop Work engagement.
• Ability to communicate clearly, resolve issues constructively, and build alignment across diverse teams, functions, cultures, and geographies.
• Self‑motivated and comfortable working independently while maintaining strong alignment with regional and global stakeholders.
• Ability to develop capability across teams by sharing expertise, leveraging technical resources, and promoting continuous learning.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deliver commitments on time.
• Organized, disciplined, and methodical approach to planning, execution, follow‑up, and performance improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear messages, facilitate discussions, and present information effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in English and, where applicable, local languages to support regional engagement and implementation.
• Strong training, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to translate EHS requirements into practical expectations for operational teams.
• Proficiency with common business technology tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, reporting tools, and training or presentation software.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.