This position is responsible for leading the Cereals and Pulses Support (CAPS) team and global pulses research activity.  The CAPS team has a transversal function, with a scope and mission to help drive research innovation of Limagrain’s cereals and pulses breeding activities through providing direct support as well as coordinating strategic initiatives.  The position will actively promote the CAPs team scope and mission to provide support to the group of cereals and pulses research.  It will also provide management, coordination and strategic direction for the global pulse crop research activities with LFSR.

The position reports to Global Head of Cereals and Pulses Research. The position will be an integral member of the CRDMT and work closely with other members of the CRDMT to coordinate and facilitate innovation projects across crops and geography.  The position will develop and lead key collaborative initiatives for pulse crops globally.

The position plays a pivotal role in aligning and communicating local and global research ambitions with platforms and functions within the traits and technologies (T&T) group of LFSR. It will also be a focal point for engaging with key external research organizations that are conducting high impact research that would be beneficial to the cereals and pulses research teams.

Your key accountabilities will include building and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners to develop, identify and prioritize emerging cereals and pulses research issues and proposing and delivering a target research and development support plan.  For broader strategic research issues, the position will ensure research projects are proposed, developed and executed in conjunction with the CAPS team and CRDMT members.  A key responsibility of the position is to directly manage and lead the LFSR pulse breeding activities globally and to develop partnership opportunities.

► Research and Development Strategy

Act as a member of Limagrain’s CRDMT.

Animate the CAPS team to identify and develop trait, molecular plant breeding and pathology support tools and training for the cereals and pulses research community.

Develop projects that will drive efficiency and innovation across the cereals and pulses research community.

Develop connections with key research organizations to facilitate collaborations on key research topics

Develop a global germplasm movement strategy to exploit LG germplasm in new and existing territories

Develop research strategy for LFSR pulse breeding activities globally

► Operations

Ensure the focused development of platforms and support tools by understanding the needs of the breeding programs and communicating with the T&T management teams

Be the coordination point for the interface between T&T and the cereals and pulses research community.

Work closely with the CRDMT members to identify technology application strategies, operating optimizations and efficiency gains that can be realized in the breeding programs

Coordinate and drive transversal projects to ensure KPIs are met and actionable outcomes are identified and implemented in conjunction with CRDMT members.

Ensure CAPS team deliver high quality support and training in the areas of trait, molecular plant breeding and pathology and measure progress of these programs.

► People Management and Leadership

Shape and promote a positive work culture and actively develop the CAPS team in collaboration with the LFSR research human resources teams

Provide leadership and management of the CAPS team

Develop and implement communications plans to highlight the CAPS team functions and achievements that will help connect them with the broader cereals and pulses research community

Develop close relationships with CRDMT members and breeders in Cereals and Pulses and platform managers and research managers in T&T.

Set annual CAPS goals, conduct annual performance appraisals and individual development plan

Manage pulse breeders and lead the LFSR pulse breeding activities globally

► Management

Act and advocate for Cereals and Pulses research priorities across the T&T teams and functions

Ensure CAPS and pulses teams compliance to company and local government safety regulations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate or possess:

► An ability to translate research direction and strategy into executable projects with deliverable outcomes
► Innovative and analytical thinking
► A track record delivering superior results via a collaborative working style
► Demonstrated ability to develop and execute collaborative projects with external entities
► Previous success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities in a fast-paced organization
► Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and of many disciplines
► Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
► A passion for driving organizational mission and impact
► A self-starter, self-disciplined with spark, imagination and creativity
► The ability to remain focused and can deliver against timelines
► Patience and resilience
► Must be proactive as well as solve problems and make decisions in time sensitive conditions
► High degree of adaptability

Experience & Educational Requirements:

► A Doctorate’s degree in Crop Science, Plant Genetics or Agronomy is required
► A minimum of 5 years’ experience within plant breeding research or related field is desired, in a multinational and/or private and matrixed organization with significant leadership and executive management experience is preferred
► A deep knowledge of how agriculture-for-development proceeds and the requirements of stakeholders
► A valid driver’s licence
► An ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally

What can we offer you?

■ An international position with a permanent contract available immediately
■ An attractive remuneration based on experience
■ A professional dynamic and growing responsibilities with demonstrated skills
■ A friendly working atmosphere in modern, friendly premises in Chappes, 10 km from Clermont-Ferrand, at the heart of our largest research center
■ A teleworking environment
■ Support: training, on-boarding, mobility assistance
■ Life balance benefits: childcare center, company restaurant, multi-sports facilities, car-sharing network, health, and provident insurance...
■ A privileged gateway to exciting careers with a leading international cooperative group in the seed industry
■ The Auvergne Region : A great place to live and work!

We encourage diversity and welcome applications from anyone with the competencies listed in the job posting. Female candidates as well as people from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and that the work environment will enable them to develop professionally.

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