Senior Director of Research

Forage Genetics International, LLC (FGI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land OLakes, has led the forage industry with innovative genetic discoveries, variety developments and cutting-edge product introductions. Our relentless drive, for improved forage production, is behind our unprecedented advancements. As the industrys leading provider of forage solutions, we breed, develop and produce premier alfalfa seed. Our highly experienced team develops and delivers industry-leading forage products for farmers worldwide, to meet the worlds forage needs now and in the future.

This position will be responsible for leading the overall R&D strategy for the company, and will be a part of the FGI leadership team which sets the direction of the company. The individual will report to General Manager of FGI, and will also manage partnerships with collaborative partners and scout for new technologies to aid in product development.

Position Purpose:
FGI Senior Directors of Alfalfa Breeding and Corn Silage Breeding will report to this new position. Our forage breeding teams represent about 70% of our R&D employees and R&D expense, and our proprietary germplasm is best-in-class in alfalfa, and competitive in corn silage. Our proprietary germplasm represents significant portion of FGI intellectual property per se, and is the vehicle for commercialization of our proprietary biotech traits.

The FGI Senior Director of Research will be responsible for providing general direction of these breeding programs, and in working with our crop breeding leads to develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement.

The Senior Director of Research will also be responsible to ensuring efficient and effective communication and coordination between Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.

BIOTECHNOLOGY:
The Senior Director of Biotechnology will report to this new position.

The biotech research programs at West Salem, WI (alfalfa) and Thousand Oaks, CA (corn silage and forage sorghum) have demonstrated best-in-class capabilities in GE trait discovery and trait development. We have commercialized two GE traits in alfalfa and have new traits in the trait development pipeline in both alfalfa and corn silage.

The FGI Senior Director of Research will be responsible for providing general direction of the FGI Biotechnology program, and in working with our crop biotechnology leads to develop and implement strategies for new trait discovery both internally and with collaboration partners.

The Senior Director of Research will also be responsible to insuring efficient and effective communication and coordination between Biotechnology and Plant Breeding.

The Senior Director of Research will be ultimately responsible for FGI R&D budgets and for ensuring various R&D projects stay on time and on budget.

The Senior Director and the Chief Technology Officer shall co-chair an FGI Innovation and Strategy Team that meets at least bi-annually to review new trait opportunities, current and potential third party research collaborations, and GE and/or novel native traits currently in the trait development pipeline. Selected FGI R&D leaders and the FGI Alfalfa and Forage Sorghum/Corn Silage Business/Crop Team Leads will be active participants in these meetings.

A successful candidate for this position will have a PhD in a Plant Science discipline, with some knowledge and experience in plant breeding and plant biotechnology. Experience in leading collaborative teams, developing research strategies is also required;
business experience is preferred.

Crop experience in alfalfa, corn silage and/or forage sorghum is strongly preferred.

Experience In strategic and project planning is also required, business experience is preferred.

Required Experience & Education:
* 10+ years of industry experience MBA or similar advanced degree, or equivalent experience in Plant Science discipline.
* Robust understanding of research methods and strategies, with ideal knowledge in crop breeding and innovation.
* 5+ years of experience managing direct reports.
* Experience in Project Management desired.

Required Competencies:
* Strong written and oral communication skills, experience in public speaking and presenting.
* Project management skills.
* Financial and business acumen necessary, that includes analytical and strategic thinking.
* Planning and Organizing: Develops realistic plans that align with company goals and plans for and manages resources to deliver plan.
* High-impact influencing skills that will allow for effective cross-functional and cross-business leadership within Land OLakes and for the building of strong working relationships at various levels of the customer (from GM/CEO to department heads to functional leaders.
* Self-starter and goal directed with the proven ability to achieve results amidst a complex, often ambiguous work environment.
* Mobilize Talent: Create a team environment where all team members are important and involved.
* Delivers Results: Makes sound, fact based decisions with analytical rigor and are disciplined and cost conscious.

Preferred Experience & Education:
* 5+ years of successful management of product/portfolio P&L and/or sales management.
* PhD degree in (Agronomy, plant breeding, or Agricultural Business).

Preferred Competencies:
* Strong leadership ability.
* Strategic thinker.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain executive relationships.
* Ability to effectively lead and manage through change.
* Ability to build strategic relationships.
* A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

EOE M/F/Vets/Disabled. Land OLakes, Inc. enforces a policy of maintaining a drug-free workforce, including pre-employment substance abuse testing.