Phytopathology Platform Manager

General information

Organisation

About Vilmorin-Mikado

Vilmorin-Mikado is a Franco-Japanese seed producer that has specialized in developing, producing, and selling vegetable seeds for professionals since 1743. As a responsible partner in the vegetable food chain, Vilmorin-Mikado is committed to helping better nourish people everywhere. Our wide range of unique, original seeds is distributed on five continents in more than 100 countries. Vilmorin-Mikado has more than 1,000 employees and recorded sales of €218 million in , of which 15% was entirely devoted to research. World leader in carrots and witloof chicory, Vilmorin-Mikado is also a major player in salads, tomatoes, sweet peppers, kabocha squashes, daikon radishes and bunching onions. Nearly three centuries ago, Vilmorin-Mikado's founders began our Tree Seeds work, which actively contributes to rebuilding sustainable forests.

Vilmorin-Mikado is part of Limagrain, an agricultural cooperative and an international seed group owned by French farmers, Limagrain is driven by its purpose: cooperating for the progress of agriculture everywhere, for everyone. Focused on the genetic progress of plants, Limagrain breeds, produces and distributes field seeds, vegetable seeds and agri-food products - #Limagrain  

Reference

Location

Mexico

Employment Type

Regular Full Time

Contractual hours

Full-time

Function

RESEARCH & INNOVATION - RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

Main Goal

Phytopathology Platform Manager position - LVS, Culiacan, Sinaloa (MEX).

Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS) is a global seed company providing breeding, production, and sales of vegetable seeds. We are invested in our customers' success and the future of our industry, and we believe that our most valuable resource is our employees. We promote functional mobility between jobs and departments, and we encourage our employees to grow through interdepartmental and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a global company, and part of Limagrain, we offer the opportunity to work in many different countries, short or long term. If you are interested in working in a fast-paced, culturally diverse team environment, we invite you to consider this job opportunity.

In order to respond to LVS phytopathology needs in Mexico, a platform has been dedicated to plant pathology testing based in our Vilmorin-Mikado site in Culiacan (MEX). The Phytopathology Lab Manager will directly manage a Research Technician to organize and perform established plant pathology tests for the three LVS Business Units (HMClause, Hazera and Vilmorin-Mikado). This platform services the tomato and pepper breeding programs in routine testing, as well as develops new protocols for local diseases and supports different teams for diagnostic and phytosanitary monitoring

Job description

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

·       Plan, organize and ensure execution of activities in the plant pathology facilities to support breeder/client requirements.

·       Ensure that data/results are produced by the team with the best quality and efficiency for timelines and costs. 

·       Manage the transfer of application tools and methods resulting from research, as well as improve protocols, methods and processes in a spirit of continuous improvement and cost effectiveness. 

·       Develop and manage the team dedicated to these activities.

·       Ensure laboratory, infrastructure and equipment are in good order and are maintained for optimal production and research activities.

·       Manage and report on lab operational budget, and support in development of annual capital expenditures dedicated to these activities.

·       Support definition of requirements for technical implementation and lead relevant projects.

·       Actively participate in production activities in the lab, greenhouse and field (~80% of total activity).

·       Establish schedule and timelines for annual activities.

·       Provide diagnostic support for local breeding team and sales/marketing team in Mexico.

·       Work closely with local partners including breeders, cultivation workers and station manager.

·       Work closely with other plant pathologists within the LVS community.

·       Provide training and support as needed for local station phytosanitary activities.

·       Define and manage KPI for the activities.

·       Generate reports and summaries required in a timely manner.

·       Review and approve team performance management. 

·       Follow workplace safety rules, regulations, standards and practices.

Company

SHAMROCK SEED MEXICO

Job location

America/Carribean, Mexico

Location

Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Candidate criteria
Minimum level of education required

Bachelor's degree

Specific expertise

• Agriculture/Agronomy
• Biology
• Botany/Horticulture

Minimum level of experience required

5 years or more

Others

Profile:

• Master of Science with 5 years' experience or Bachelor's +10 years' experience required in plant pathology, in combination with experience in lab management

• Previous experience in team management or technician/student supervision required.

• Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and verbal.

• Previous experience in agronomy and the seed industry is desirable.

• Previous experience with Nematodes and Insects is a plus for this position.

• Travel required regionally and internationally.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Management Skills – Responsible for planning, scheduling and directing work of self and others, balances task requirements with abilities. Sets challenging yet achievable goals using SMART goals concept, ensuring feedback and addressing performance problems promptly. Ability to develop direct reports and manage resources including regional budget and human resources.

• Strategic Planning and Analysis – Responsible for management and coaching local applied team. Contribute to the development of vision and the midterm plan. Ability to plan, conduct and analyze multiple projects. Have a good capacity for attention to detail and accuracy in data collection. Implementation of team strategies and objectives, and the motivation to learn and constantly improve processes and tools. Proactively introduce new ideas and develop proposals for new improvements.

Languages

• English (3 - Professional)
• Spanish (3 - Professional)

Position start date

01/08/2023

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