Role purpose

The Production Site Lead is responsible for managing the country production operations team that is dedicated to advancing our corn seed production for the business in Malawi and the wider Southern Africa region. In this role, the Site Lead formulates and coordinates implementation of the long-term strategic plans, day-to-day operations, planning and execution of field and site operations including field production, harvesting, drying, seed processing and inventory management, maintenance of quality standards, achievement of efficiency metrics, as well as general operations of a multifunctional production site, to ensure timely and efficient delivery of commercial seed production. This is an excellent opportunity to work with leading-edge technology and talented cross-functional teams that are working to deliver the very best crop genetics across the globe.

Key responsibilities and tasks

The role is responsible for leading, planning, and supervision of field and plant operations, including but not limited to:

// Champion the development, implementation, and improvement of an HSE, OM, Quality, and Bayer Production System culture.

// Drive HSE & Quality operational improvements, metrics tracking, and implementation of best practices through team members and peers.

// Manage and forecast station operational budgets and capital purchases.

// Collaborate with pipeline enrichment and integrate grower contracting efforts with budget requirements.

// Manage the operational, capital, and maintenance budget.

// Oversee the development and implementation of the annual crop plan by the field operations team.

// Lead and coordinate the activities of field and plant operations teams to ensure on time and on budget delivery of production schedules.

// Inventory and logistics management for raw products and finished goods in the plant responsible warehouses. This includes on- and off-site warehousing.

// Optimize equipment efficiency and availability.

// Maintain operational and site records as required by the Bayer Quality Management Systems with the focus on continuous improvement.

// Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance Standards and Management System set by ISO9001.

// Responsible for meeting the goals established for Seed Supply Reliability, Quality and Availability.

// Establish, assign, and review the team performance goals in the field and plant operation teams, and drive accountability and high performance.

// Engender a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and drive development initiatives in the team to meet the current and future talent needs in the team.

// Develop and implement an enterprise risk management strategy to secure our license to operate and business sustainability.

// Plan and execute the capital plan for the field and plant operations in line with the established long-range plan.

// Collaborate with country functional leads on general management matters to deliver on cross-functional business objectives including team engagement, risk management and compliance, financial efficiency, asset management, and external relations.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

// A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, agricultural or mechanical engineering, production and operations management, business management, or related fields. A Master’s degree is an added advantage

// At least 10 years of working experience, with 5 years hands-on experience in people leadership, and more than 5 years operational experience in agriculture production or processing.

// Strong strategic orientation and business acumen.

// Demonstrated team leadership and project management.

// Ability to lead by influence and establish strong cross functional partnerships

// Ability to solve complex problems and lead with creative and effective solutions

// Excellent organizational skills

// Strong written and oral communication

Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.