The Research Operations Lead provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all research activities and operations at the Passo Fundo Research Center. This includes ensuring an unwavering commitment to safety, meeting operational, agronomic, and administrative needs while ensuring full compliance with internal and external regulations. The position involves leadership in various areas, such as safety, budget administration, alignment of HR practices, supply management operations, farm and infrastructure maintenance/development, machinery/equipment and facilities upkeep, seed-related activities, agronomic practices, phytosanitary and regulatory compliance, and management systems. Additionally, the role involves direct collaboration with all the research projects developed at the site.
Responsibilities:
Oversee all daily operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety. Active engagement in safety is essential, with a strong emphasis on fostering a culture where all team members are committed to safety.
Drive excellence in research and operational activities across crops, with a primary focus on corn and soybean.
Develop and execute optimal resource plans (including labor, infrastructure, land, machinery) to meet Corteva and Passo Fundo Research Center objectives.
Coordinate all planting, agricultural practices, data collection and harvesting needed for yield tests and nurseries, ensuring the data is collected on time and meets high-quality standards.
Work with partners, breeders, and logistics lead to meet the breeding programs demands.
Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, innovation, and employee development. Provide effective leadership, guidance, and support to all team members, fostering a teamwork-oriented culture. Recruit, orient, supervise, and develop local and remote employees.
Ensure full compliance with internal and external regulations. Certify that all the licenses and environmental requirements are implemented and that all environmental, health, and security programs are fully executed.
Perform administrative tasks related to estimating demand, managing budgets, and controlling the use of resources within expected timelines. Actively manage the research station by interacting with third-party companies, coordinating collaborative projects, and ensuring the proper maintenance of all facilities.
Coordinate and monitor process efficiencies, identify challenges, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operational efficiency.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy or related areas.
Master’s degree in Agronomy or related areas (Ph.D. preferred).
Three years of management experience and a strong agronomy background. Familiarity with product development and applied research.
Experience in research trials and project management.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven experience in a leadership role, demonstrating strong leadership, initiative, and organizational skills. Ability to interact with and effectively lead a diverse workforce.
Excellent decision-making skills, with the capacity to analyze complex situations and make the best decisions.
Availability for travel.
Advanced English proficiency.
Residence in Passo Fundo.
Category B or higher driver’s license.
