Seeds and Traits Manager

Objective of the Position:

The objective of this position is to Develop, Drive and execute seeds and traits business strategy for India in collaboration with regional, country marketing team. ​Identify potential seed company and collaborate to drive long term partnership to achieve business target. ​Execute seeds and HT technology strategy and actions with seed company partners. ​Participate in regional Rice Crop system connected offer design as “seed and traits” expert.​​​

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and Drive seeds and traits Strategy

• Main responsibility is to Develop, Drive and execute seeds and traits business strategy in collaboration with regional, country marketing team.
• Drive ambitious short-midterm HT technology business target, drive HT business growth with focus India. 
• ​Ensure implementation of global asset strategy in India, deliver key projects sales and profit targets in the India, Focal contact point for India, Regional and HT seed technology functions.  
• Drive recommendation of R&D projects and business cases to ensure a competitive and sustainable mid to long term product portfolio in India. Review countries R&D project regulatory and ensure key projects updates in global systems. 
• ​Lead Indian long-term rice & mustard seeds market assumptions and grower insights development; Support rice & mustard Seeds & Traits long term planning; contribute to connected offer design and business case development in respective crop systems; Support Seeds and Traits connected offer projects with regional functions, support digital services, sustainability development in India  
• Drive to develop the skills and competencies within the country community and develop crop portfolio and business; Build weed control competencies in India (together with country technical team)​ .

New Seed and traits launch

• Drive and execute HT  3rd-party relationship development, manage business model and legal framework development, Review partners’ traits integration program. 
• Drive and execute high quality seeds and traits new launch plans and focus on key products and ensure quicker penetration to meet the sales, market share and profit targets, using ‘Go to Market’ approach.   
• ​Lead identification of Seeds & Traits new business opportunities and differentiators for market share growth including synergy opportunities in India via best practice implementation and systematic transfer of information concerning market, customer, and competition.  
• ​Build Seeds & Traits market intelligence via regular monitoring of crops and competitor activities. Define competitive medium-long term scenarios including country assumption and identification of significant trends in India. 
• Coordinate with seed company partners, Supply Chain & Controlling teams for meeting business delivery objectives.
• Post season – Documentation and audits and implement learnings into seeds and trait strategy.
• Drive and execute stewardship program post-launch to ensure lifecycle extension.  

Drive Crop-wise annual Sales budget achievement

• Provide support & enable budgeting process for befitting market objectives
• Lead and drive seeds and traits business for the year, with befitting marketing support

Job Requirements:

• B.Sc.(Agri) /M.Sc.(Agri) + MBA/PGD (Agribusiness Management
• At least 10 years of relevant Sales or Marketing experience including new product and business development. Experience in influencing regional/ functional teams is preferable
• Work experience in Seeds and Traits industry or Agriculture value chain or related industry. 
• ​Proven capacity in business development, launching new products, marketing management and financial analysis. 
• ​Strong project management skills, entrepreneurial mindset to drive for results and experience in pricing/profit steering are preferred. 
• ​Demonstrated negotiation experience with external parties is preferred.​​​