The fourth-largest seed company in the world. Limagrain is an international cooperative group created and directed by French farmers. As a creator and producer of plant varieties, Limagrain markets field seeds, vegetable seeds, and cereal products.

Vilmorin-Mikado is the Business Unit of Group Limagrain, a socially conscious company headquartered in France and Japan; specializes in the breeding, production, and marketing of vegetable seeds and tree seeds for professional farmers worldwide. The diversity within our multicultural teams drives the company’s growth strategy through quality products, expertise, and commitments to excellence. Vilmorin North America is the North American operation of Vilmorin-Mikado and is the reporting location for this position. This position reports to American Unit Research and Operation Stations Manager.

Purpose:

Vilmorin North America, a Limagrain company, is seeking a qualified individual to assume the responsibilities of the Research Farm Manager for our Research stations located in Gilroy and Salinas, California. The manager will be responsible for the oversight and management of a high-performing field and greenhouse team that grows plants to the high standards and expectations established by the breeding and research teams. This position is also expected to manage budgets, oversee routine maintenance of farm equipment and systems, coordinate a high-performance team, and lead the seasonal crop planning process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Crop Management and Farm Planning

• Collaborate on and execute local research trials with breeding and operations teams in a timely, cost-effective, and accurate manner. Successful management of lettuce, cauliflower, and baby greens trials for leafy and seed evaluations is required.
• Manage, develop, and schedule a team of permanent, seasonal, and third-party employees in activities. This will include the coordination of workflow in field and greenhouse facilities in a manner that ensures high plant survival while being safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
• Achieve high operational success for breeding activities by maintaining good plant health and meeting breeder needs in a timely manner. Monitor and report plant status with help from assistant breeders.
• Conduct periodic crop reviews with stakeholders to assess program success and to identify strategies for continued improvement.
• Assist in planning, executing, and updating field and greenhouse schedules, annual operational budgets, and capital investments.
• Identify issues in the breeding pipeline that can be resolved using applied research or strategic initiatives. Improve processes to increase output, efficiencies, and high-quality trials within budgetary constraints. Create and refine protocols to meet these objectives.

Strategy and Organizational Development

• Actively support the implementation of programs designed to improve corporate and environmental responsibility. Promote a culture of respect and integrity.
• Lead weekly staff meetings with managers, breeders, and supervisors to share progress and discuss opportunities for improvement. Collaborate in cross-functional teams as required.
• Measure and monitor performance metrics related to both the quality and productivity of crop programs. Implement good phytosanitary practices.
• Assist in the record-keeping that will contribute to annual budgeting and improvement strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of activities; compile the information into monthly reports to be submitted to the manager and contribute to trial status reports for the breeding teams.
• Travel as necessary between stations located in California.
• Occasional travel to breeding sites in Yuma, Arizona.
• Actively support the station Illness and Injury Prevention Plan – assist in periodic safety training for employees.
• Work with the America Unit Research and Operations Manager to develop and implement station and regional improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and team success.
• Other duties and responsibilities as directed by the America Unit Research and Operations Manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related agriculture field; postgraduate education (MS/Ph.D.) preferred. Applicants may apply on basis of experience in lieu of education.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in the seed industry or applied plant breeding.
• Minimum of three years of supervisor/manager experience.
• Basic office environment experience (phones, copying, faxing, filing, etc.).
• Computer skills (working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Internet, E-mail).
• Thorough understanding of R&D processes in the seed industry, ability to identify critical issues, and develop resolutions through problem-solving.
• Sound understating of agronomy, plant breeding, research operations, seed physiology, and planning tools.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Required to possess or obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certificate.
• Ability to wear and use pesticide respirator.

To apply:

Please send resumes to Careers@vilmorin.com