Job Description

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

Reporting directly to the Head of Product Development, the Assistant Manager will play a pivotal role in defining and executing product strategies to meet company goals. This position demands active collaboration with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless integration of product development processes.

Primary workplace is based in Madhya Pradesh, India. Additionally, the role requires regular travel to multiple trial sites nationwide for hands-on oversight of product trial phases, ensuring compliance and quality control.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

• Lead the organisation and supervision of multi-location seed hybrid trials, ensuring trials reflect diverse agro-climatic conditions for robust product evaluation.
• Develop, standardise, and continuously improve trial evaluation protocols and datasheet formats to ensure comprehensive and consistent data capturing.
• Conduct thorough data analysis across different geographic locations to generate insightful interpretations, supporting strategic decisions regarding product lifecycle, including launch, revaluation, or termination.
• Prepare detailed, evidence-based performance reports to facilitate data-driven decision-making by R&D and executive leadership.
• Perform regular on-site monitoring to validate trial progress, authenticate data accuracy, and document critical agronomic traits with photographic and written records.
• Collaborate closely with research teams to refine breeding targets and provide actionable input to production planning and resource management.
• Identify and recommend promising hybrids with commercial viability, crafting region-specific cultivation guidelines that support sales and marketing initiatives.
• Build and maintain professional partnerships with key agricultural research organisations, including ICAR and State Agricultural Universities, leveraging their expertise to enhance trial quality and product offerings.
• Drive continuous refinement of trial methodologies and data recording systems to optimise trial fidelity and promote innovative practices.

This role fosters innovation and precise execution in seed product development, directly impacting the agricultural industry by developing superior hybrid seeds adapted to diverse environments.

Experience

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience spanning 10 to 12 years within product development, specifically in the seed and agricultural sectors, showcasing a history of successfully navigating products from initial concept through to market introduction. Experience expectations include:

• Comprehensive involvement in the planning, execution, and management of multi-site field trials, demonstrating a detailed understanding of agronomic evaluation techniques and trial operations.
• Proficient in sophisticated trial data analytics, employing statistical and specialised breeding software tools to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable intelligence.
• Strong record of cross-departmental collaboration, working alongside R&D, production, marketing, and sales units to ensure product development initiatives align with overarching business goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in cultivating and managing professional relationships with external research institutions and regulatory bodies, including negotiation and coordination of trial activities.
• Leadership skills evidenced by successful guidance of project teams or departments within fast-paced agricultural product development environments.
• Experienced in deploying rigorous product performance monitoring both within controlled trials and commercial market settings, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Competency with the Microsoft Office Suite is essential, particularly advanced PowerPoint skills for effective presentation delivery. Candidates should also be adept in experimental design principles and the interpretation of breeding data, critical for informed decision-making in seed development.

Industry Preferred

Preference is given to professionals with a deep-rooted background in the seed industry, bringing comprehensive knowledge of seed production, hybrid development, and the complexities of the agricultural supply chain. Candidates with transferable skills from agro-biotechnology or crop science sectors will also be considered where their expertise aligns closely with the demands of agricultural seed product development.

An understanding of the industry's regulatory landscape, market trends, and customer requirements is essential for ensuring immediate and effective contributions in this role.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri) or a Master's degree (M.Sc. Agri) with a focus on crop science, breeding, seed technology, or related disciplines is required.
• Additional certifications or specialised training in experimental design, plant breeding data analysis software, or advanced agronomic research techniques are highly advantageous.
• A thorough grasp of fundamental agricultural concepts, including crop physiology and seed production systems, gained through formal education or substantial professional experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to professional growth through continuous learning and staying informed of the latest developments in seed technology, breeding methodologies, and product development approaches.

General Requirements

Success in this role requires exceptional communication abilities to engage effectively with diverse internal teams and external stakeholders such as farmers, research institutions, and regulatory bodies.

• Willingness and capacity for extensive travel across India to conduct trial monitoring and collaborate with regional partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain productive professional relationships characterised by collaboration, respect, and mutual support.
• Excellent organisational competency, including the ability to plan meticulously, prioritise workload, and deliver projects within stipulated timelines.
• Influencing skills necessary to engage with a variety of internal departments and external entities, fostering alignment and cooperation towards common business objectives.
• A proactive attitude with acute attention to detail, ensuring integrity and accuracy of trial data and related product development documentation.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mahindra Agri Solutions is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every person is respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their full potential. We actively foster an environment that embraces diversity in all dimensions including background, experience, and perspective.

Our recruitment process is designed to be fair and transparent, welcoming applications from individuals of all identities and backgrounds. We are committed to eliminating biases and barriers throughout the hiring journey, supporting an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and contribute uniquely.

We recognise that diversity fuels innovation and business excellence, and we continuously enhance our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to support employee well-being, growth, and a sense of belonging across our organisation.