Operations Lead

 

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

 

Operations Lead 

 

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Operations Lead reports to the Regional Lead and has leadership responsibility for the Agronomic Research Specialists of a field-testing team conducting small plot field research in corn (maize), soy, and cotton. They are expected to get results through high personal proficiency, delegation of tasks, coordinating the work of others, coaching and personal development of team members and the team, and collaborating regionally to innovate and improve processes. Agility, collaboration, communication, goal setting, business acumen, and the ability to think and act strategically and in alignment with Bayer’s LIFE values are key to success in the role.

 

The primary responsibilities of this role, Operations Lead, are to: 

 

• Provide technical leadership and direction to the staff within the site and/or region including training of staff on complex research protocols and creating operational plans used by staff to deliver in-field research activities;
• Continuously evaluates and improves all agricultural practices and methods developed and/or deployed at the site for use by staff;
• Work with key stakeholder groups on the design and deployment of agronomic innovation launches that bring new technologies to manual processes such as electronic and digital data collection tools and automated equipment that create a step change in the agronomic duties within the R&D program;

• Provide leadership and direction in establishing and maintaining a site culture dedicated to the highest level of Sustainability, Safety, Health & Environment (SSHE),  regulatory, and quality performance;

• Be responsible for monthly and annual safety, compliance, and regulated policies and programs at the site including assuring all employees meet site documentation and training standards and the development of new programs as regulations evolve and change;
• Work with other functions and team members as a project leader as needed on regional projects that drive a step change in the way field trial research efforts are conducted with the use of automation, technology innovation, system advancements, and new tools are designed and deploy;
• Maintain and forecast the budget and keep spend on target to meet overall corporate and company financial targets and internal controls including the spend and tracking of multi-million-dollar assets and capital project;
• Drive operational improvements, metrics tracking and implementation of best practices at the site and coordinates with corporate team members to ensure consistent practices across the us field testing network of ~30 facilities across north America;
• Coordinate and lead activities within the surrounding community to ensure positive community relations and outreach efforts;
• Identify, assess, negotiate, and manage ongoing contractual relationships with landowners and external organizations that provide, equipment, or services needed to maintain an ongoing R&D program;
• Participate in the hiring, supervision, and onboarding of both temporary and full-time support staff;
• Conduct workforce planning for site to identify contingent labor based on operational needs;
• Responsible for coaching, counseling, and performance management of employees;
• Manages direct reports through motivation, recognition, leadership, and providing clear and timely feedback.

 

WHO YOU ARE

 

Your success will be driven by your demonstration of our LIFE values. More specifically related to this position, Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

 

 Required Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Demonstrated people leadership experience with seasonal workers and/or full-time employees or managing a team of employees through project management experience;
• Valid driver s license;
• Strong computer skills related to data acquisition, organization, and analysis;
• Ability to obtain pesticide applicator license;
• Ability to work extended hours during peak operational seasons.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Ph.D. degree focused on agronomy,