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