Seed Logistics Scientist (R&D Operations / Quality Coordinator - Africa).

Description

GROWING WHAT MATTERS STARTS WITH YOU

Corteva Agriscience, the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

We're hiring for Seed Logistics Scientist (R&D Operations / Quality Coordinator – Africa)

As Seed Logistics Scientist you will be responsible for the overall coordination and execution of Africa's seed product development end-to-end quality system, based in Delmas, South Africa, driving continuous improvement, regulatory compliance and shipping logistics supporting research and development operations across Latin America and Africa.

You will work with a diverse range of people, cultures, research centers, processes and operations to develop, plan, implement, track, analyze, report and facilitate reviews on all research process in Africa.

This position will ensure freedom to operate in an ever-changing technology stewardship and regulatory environment, enabling and driving continuous improvement and process optimization in our plant breeding and technology deployment efforts across Africa.

You will interact extensively across various organizational functions within Africa and with a Global team of research experts to continue the development and deployment of research best practice at all research locations within Africa. This position will require excellent collaboration, project management, analytical and communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary setting balancing stakeholder needs and driving simplicity in complex research and business process frameworks. Success in the position will rely on the ability to influence without direct authority and manage multiple workflows concurrently. This role will be a critical driver for return on research investment and enabling future technology deployment in Africa.

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

The Seed Product Development team is responsible for designing, developing and executing the Corteva Agriscience research programs which advance genetic gain and develop seed products to bring to market. The team you will be working in supports the Africa Middle East Seed Product Development teams.

Your Challenge:

Seed Research Quality Management System

• Review, analyze, re-define and clarify the end-to-end quality process for a seed product development research organization
• Enable research strategy through conducting medium term operational risk analyses and identifying key quality bottlenecks and focus areas
• Review, maintain and deploy document master lists and training schedules for all controlled documents and research employees
• Accountable for research communication and training channels
• Responsible for updating, implementing and auditing document retention
• Consult with safety, operational and process leads to ensure integrated procedures/protocols for all processes are effectively implemented to support Africa's strategic research goals
• Assist and facilitate internal and external quality and stewardship audits across Africa

Logistics

• Accountable for all import and export logistics for Africa's Seed Product Development team
• Manage documentation, permits, logistics supplier relationships, project planning, timeline management, internal shipping systems and compliance systems for all research logistics
• Manage and support the logistics of ongoing operational research activities
• Support logistics and execution of capital projects
• Integrate logistics needs into quality management system for smooth end-to-end operations

Continuous Improvement

• Support Process and Operational leads in the routine scheduling of process analysis and reviews for all research operations in Africa
• Facilitate and drive continuous improvement with all Operational and Process Leads in all research operations
• Capture, articulate and train research teams on continuous improvement and quality improvement strategies and deepen organizational understanding of positively influencing both upstream and downstream value chains

Key Stakeholders and Interactions:

AME SPD Lead, AME Logistics Lead, Site Operations Leads, Regulatory teams, Global Shipping Leads, Seed Production Specialists, EHS Specialists, Evaluation Zone Leads, Research Scientists and routine interaction with operational team members with full accountability for their areas of responsibility. Building strong relationships supporting frequent interaction and collaboration with Global Seed Operations teams and requesting research teams will be key to success.

Location:

Delmas, South Africa

Qualifications

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• Postgraduate degree (MSc) in related field and minimum 3 years' experience in a quality management system or seed logistics (or similar) environment or 8 years' experience in an applicable role.
• Qualification in Lean Methodology (Lean Six Sigma) or other equivalent qualification in process analysis/continuous improvement with a demonstrated history of successful execution is a requirement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of biological (seed) importation and exportation procedures within South Africa (and beyond).
• Demonstrated project management experience with excellent competencies in planning, communication and tracking progress.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, quality management systems (eg ISO).
• Experience in, and knowledge of, biotechnology regulatory frameworks will be significantly advantageous.
• Ability to define, capture and review processes into standard operating procedures (SOP). Experience in coaching others to develop and implement SOP's or protocol will be beneficial.
• Experience in process analysis and optimization or business process analysis will be beneficial.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and simply convey key learnings/outcomes to a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to work well in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual team environment. Strong ability to communicate in English is critical. Communication skills in Afrikaans, isiZulu or another African language will be beneficial.
• Strongly self-motivated with the capability to motivate others, initiate projects, make decisions and solve problems while remaining goal/project focused.
• Ability to work in a dynamic multi-process environment and balance ever changing priorities based on business need.
• Excellent personal interaction skills required for effectively developing and managing strong internal and external working relationships with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to plan and communicate planning will be key to success
• Ability to think strategically while balancing day to day practical needs to ensure execution
• Ability to solve complex problems to meet strict seasonal timelines and influence without authority.
• Excellent computer, data management, and data presentation skills are essential.
• Experience in an end to end or project planning background will be beneficial
• Experience in, or knowledge of, agricultural seed or inputs supply business will be beneficial.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world's growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility