1. CONTEXT OF THE ROLE

This job falls within the framework of the Vilmorin-MKS development and commercial strategy defined by the General Manager, in accordance with the general policy of the company.

2. PURPOSE

For the markets of the United States and Canada, the job involves:

• Coordinating the launch of new varieties,
• Managing the range of products,
• Monitoring the market,
• Challenging forecasts for new varieties,
• Coordinating the development actions of the distributors if applicable.

3. GENERAL MISSION

Ideal candidate will be responsible for the development function of the company.

4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

1. GENERAL ACTIVITIES

• Development seed samples coordination: To allocate the availability of seed samples of each variety for the development trials. To monitor and control the shipment of samples while ensuring compliance with the stipulated time frames.
• Development Trials : To schedule, coordinate and implement development trials DV1 and DV2 (sometimes T3 with marketing) with the following objectives:

‐to judge the agronomic performance and the adaptability of a variety in comparison to leading varieties within the market,

‐to evaluate the adaptability of the variety with respect to the target distribution and consumption chains,

‐to start the identification of the competitive advantages, the selling points and the hurdles to overcome.

• Attendance to the NPI (“New Product Introduction” meetings): To feedback Product Managers with information and details including the sharing of experiences related to the varieties in the process of being tested (experimental stage) and referring to a specific market. To prepare and propose the development plan for the subsequent years, reporting on the additional needs for the line as well as on any possible market developments.
• New product launching: To establish the forecast in terms of volume, quality and timelines), for the first year of sales, of the new varieties that are in DV1 and DV2 phase. To establish an action plan at least for key products.
• Market intelligence: To carry out and update market research studies (segmentation, analysis of the competition, tracking and identification of the dynamic forces that drive change). To continuously improve the knowledge of the market with the objective of contributing to the development of business plans and strategic plans. This task requires developing extensive and in depth knowledge of the market and the organization thereof.
• Field sales promotion: To propose and implement field related promotional events.
• Communication strategy: To establish, monitor, implement and roll out of the annual communication plan and its budget in cooperation with the external communication department at headquarters.
• New product positioning: According to the positioning given by the marketing, to develop the selling points at the local level.

5. MANAGERIAL HIERARCHY AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONS

1. IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR / AUTONOMY

The person will report to the General Manager of Vilmorin North America who will provide leadership and support in the event of difficulties and during special events. The ideal candidate will also provide assistance in making decisions and will have autonomy to perform specific duties with flexibility, as delegated by the management.

1. LINE MANAGER

The person will manage and lead a team of 4 – 5 direct reports.

1. INTERFACE / OPERATIONAL CONTACTS

The person will mainly work in close collaboration with:

• Customer service
• Supply chain
• Product managers
• Crop specialists
• Sales team
• Global Development Director
• Other Vilmorin departments

The person will work closely with external customers, official and technical bodies and all service providers that may be required. 

6.SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROLE

1. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Negotiation management,
• Listening to customers,
• Technical knowledge of agriculture and the seed business,
• Knowledge of the market and the customers,
• Knowledge of local regulations (registration, protection) and legislation,
• Knowledge of IT tools and Microsoft Suite as well as internal applications,
• Languages: English required; Spanish and/or French preferred

1. PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES

• Ability to promote, foster and maintain a professional relationship with all customers,
• Capacity to organize, plan, and prioritize,
• Ability to analyze large amounts of data and to draw conclusions
• Leadership, team spirit, management and delegation skills,
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Professional autonomy and ability to work with minimal supervision,
• Thoroughness and reliability,
• Willingness to travel extensively within the continental USA and occasional international travel.

Please send resumes to : careers@vilmorin.com