SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & DELIVERABLES 

• Managing trial sites
  Oversee and manage trial site operations in Kenya & Ethiopia for a team of 40-50 employees, by bringing in his/her knowledge on people management, plant physiology & agronomy, by streamlining operations such as: trial development plans, project management, crop planning, financial budgeting, performance cycles, team development, and reporting to ensure alignment with the Product Development department goals.
• People management
  Supervising the trial site manager Kenya & trial site manager Ethiopia by servant leadership, supporting the teams to flourish in their roles.
• Cultivation
  Ensure cultivation plans are executed effectively, update plans based on trial results and feedback, analyse collected data, and report findings to stakeholders.
• Propagation
  Manage propagation programmes to ensure quality plant material, update protocols based on trial insights and maintain effective planning and reporting systems.
• Start-up programmes
  Coordinate visits to trial sites and start-up programmes to align development efforts and support the transfer of protocols to production phases.
• Stakeholder management
  Being a link between various departments such as: Product Development, Commercial Production, Agronomy, Production Technical, Product Management, as well as external relations, such as breeders and/or young plant propagators.
• Data analytics and insight
  To leverage product development analytics in optimising trial site management, ensuring the successful development and commercialisation of new flowers.

CRITERIA

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, Phytopathology,
  Plant Sciences, or an equally relevant field.
• Preferably a master's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding, Phytopathology, Plant Sciences, or an equally relevant field. 

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years of experience in an agricultural, management related role.
• Knowledge of leading a Research & Development oriented department.
• Familiarity with modern African cutflower production sites.
• Experience in working in an international (western oriented) environment is an added advantage.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

1. Servant leadership capabilities
2. Excellent communication abilities
3. Prioritise data-driven decision making
4. Problem solving behaviour
5. Strategic thinker
6. (Internal-) customer focus
7. Adaptability to various environments
8. Proactive & collaborative attitude

ESSENTIALS

• Ability to lead a Research & Development oriented department in an international agricultural setting.
• Able to implement management skills and agronomy knowledge to develop novel summer flower varieties.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

INTERESTED? 

Would you like to know more? Contact Bart Merkus, Product Development Manager, via b.merkus@marginpar.nl. Send your application to recruitment@marginpar.biz.