Product Development Lead

Summary:  Plans and supervises multi-faceted development program for Helm Agro products by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 

• Identifies, in conjunction with marketing, product management, and sales team, promising areas of research or technology that address unmet needs and have large potential markets for the application of crop protection products.
• Work closely with VP of Innovation and Agronomy on identifying, prioritizing and completing projects that further differentiate HELM Crop Solutions Plant Advantage, G3 Crop Production Products and Specialty Nutrition projects.   
• Collaborates closely with Technical Sales Agronomist. Supporting them with data, insights and technical training where needed.
• Coordinates and oversees all field trial program in the United States.  Actively involved in the Field Development, Sales Support, Registration Support and New Product Evaluation areas within Helm Agro.  
• Communicates to senior management an overview of products under development including trial results.
• Plan and formulate aspects of development proposals such as objective or purpose of project, costs of project, and regulatory issues.
• Reviews and analyzes trial results and coordinates data to support registration and sales of products by working closely with regulatory and sales team members.
• Oversees all formulation projects.
• Manages data and trials that include in part - protocols, cost management, sample procurement and storage, proper application of products and their use.  
• Performs role of a leader by motivating, inspiring others to perform well, while displaying passion and optimism regarding the business.
• Maintains contact with academia, governmental, industry colleges, crop consultants and other key contacts that work with and/or support the Agricultural industry in whole or in part.  Also, involved with   Business Managers to develop new opportunities and expand sales of current products.
• Oversee Helm Agro’s Complaint Program (crop response, performance, product quality etc.) to minimize expenditures and liability to Helm Agro.
• The above-mentioned responsibilities and essential duties would generally be performed in various office settings utilizing computer-based programs and other tools and means of effective communications. 
• Maintain individual state herbicide, insecticide and fungicide recommendations and guidelines. Making sure all relevant HELM products are included in these documents.

Travel

Travel is frequent and required.  Overnight stays are also frequent.   

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, demonstrate the following competencies:  Analytical - Collects and researches data.  Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.  Project Management - Coordinates projects, Multi-tasks. Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.    Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.  Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively.    Leadership - Inspires respect and trust.  Quality Management - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.  Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget.  Ethics - Works with integrity and ethically.  Dependability - Keeps commitments.  Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions.  Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.  Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently.

Strong understanding of Crop Physiology and Cropping Systems to include; crop nutrition, crop growth stage needs, farmer practices and systems approach to crop production.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

M.S. in one of the Agricultural Sciences with seven to ten years of related experience.  Knowledge of most crops grown in the US and the pests – disease, insect and weed – associated with these crops and the crop protection products used to control these pests.  Knowledge in designing, conducting, evaluating and managing biological studies.

Language Ability:

Strong communications skills, oral and written, to effectively interact with other functional groups within the company, with universities and private researchers, customers, etc.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to analyze data effectively/concisely and make sound recommendations.  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook), Internet software and database software, ARM field trial management.

Certificates and Licenses:

Pest Control or other certifications of AG chemicals may be required based on products marketed and/or sold; assures compliance for self.