Job Description

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.

Research Associate Petit

Job Purpose:

• The Agronomic Seed Production Specialist is accountable for executing field seed production operations with a strong emphasis on corn agronomy.
• This role involves overseeing the daily operations within the Seed Production workflows, focusing on efficient resource planning, farm management, safety protocols, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Key responsibilities include managing nursery activities such as field preparation, planting, pollination, and harvesting to ensure optimal seed quality and operational excellence.
• The Specialist will leverage their agronomic expertise to implement best practices in corn production and utilize advanced operational and technological proficiency to enhance production efficiency.
• Contributions are also expected in seed processing and packaging activities as needed as well as for DUS and registration trials.
• Active collaboration with both local, regional and global stakeholders is essential to maintain consistent seed production quality and to integrate innovative technologies into production processes

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Execute field seed production operations with a focus on corn agronomy.
• Support farm operational planning and execution of strategies to enhance field activities, including field selection, measurements and Velocity mapping.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and participate in various ongoing projects aimed at optimizing processes.
• Collaborate with EMEA SP&PD Hub as well as with the SA Corn Units to ensure high-quality seed production and timely delivery to all stakeholders.
• Engage with EMEA and Global Breeding teams to execute initiatives and align with global strategies.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection for farm operations, maintaining proper records for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Support DUS trials, data collection and related activities.
• Drives innovation on seed production methods to enhance nursery quality and data collection practices.
• Utilize software and IT tools to manage field operations and integrate new systems into the nursery program.
• Supervise and train field technicians, including onboarding new seasonal employees.
• Lead continuous improvement and strategic initiatives that transform row crop plant breeding research through new technologies, data analytics, and program management.
• Manage supplies, stock, and supplier communications to ensure timely availability of consumable resources.
• Ensure compliance with HSE rules, monitoring and executing daily operational tasks.
• Understand the objectives of the area and drive consistent improvement to achieve the Prod. Units outcomes and support breeding goals.
• Identify and report potential risks and opportunities observed during daily operations.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate records of all processes and outcomes, ensuring alignment with established objectives.
• Contributions to operations across Prod. Units is expected, with a cross-crop landscape scope across EMEA Seed Production and Product Units.
• Contribute with evaluating operational performance and milestones within 90-day cycles to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the Product Units and Capability Hub outcomes and needs.
• Ensure compliance with fumigation and quarantine process.

Experience , Skills & Qualifications:

• BSC or MSC in Agriculture or related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Strong understanding of crop production and farm practices, with experience in nursery and hybrid seed production.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools (R, Python, Tableau) is a plus .
• Proficiency in MS Office and interest in software, data management, with the ability to quickly learn new programs (approximately 25% of the role will involve computer-based tasks).
• Highly self-motivated, innovative, and a proven track record in project management.
• Exceptional organizational and record-keeping skills, with a strong attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient operations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and balance multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Capable of working independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
• Is desirable to have some knowledge/understanding around pollen preservation techniques.
• A strong desire for personal and professional growth at Bayer.
• B category driving license.
• UAV pilot license with relevant experience in field data collection using LiDAR sensors and data processing & analysis is a plus.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we want to ensure persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at nicole.gien.ext@bayer.com.

Location:

South Africa : Gauteng : Petit

Division:

Crop Science

Reference Code:

862598

Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.