Plant Science Program Manager

McCormick & Company • MD

120d • $100,870 - $176,480

About The Position

Incumbent will lead the global agricultural innovation initiatives by advancing McCormick’s plant science, enabling value chain transformation, and supporting regenerative growth in compliant farming systems.

Requirements

• Graduate degree (Bsc) in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Plant Physiology, Soil Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
• 10 years’ (half in private sector) experience articulating vision, creating strategies and managing enterprise projects, data analysis.
• A passion for plants with experience in plant genealogy, breeding, controlled environment agriculture, horticulture or plant science.
• Hands-on experience in mainstream agricultural production.
• Experience of improving crop production methods in a developing region of the world required.
• Experience in developing backward integration/contract farming programs as well as the ability to identify and start up new growing regions/origins in developing countries required.
• Experience in leading major innovative agricultural projects with market outreach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English will be required to enable effective communication up, down, and across the organization.
• Solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Project.
• Project administration and management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree (MSc, PhD) in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Plant Physiology, Soil Science, or a closely related discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience in relevant field Research (postdoctoral research counts as work experience).
• Experience in molecular biology (e.g., DNA characterization, CRISPR technology adoption).
• 2+ years in the food industry preferred.
• Experience in ag project management at field level.
• Experience with characterization of plants, including imaging, phenotyping, chemical analysis, and/or objective measurements of taste and texture.

Responsibilities

• Lead Agricultural research & Innovation: drive and define the plant innovation strategy including, leading to radical innovation strategies for growth.
• Coordinate regional Agricultural projects and own a global strategy for ag support.
• Provide technical support to McCormick strategic Ag portfolio transformation including alternate growing strategies, Grow-Your-Own initiatives, etc.
• Provide technical support to validate agricultural innovations that could be adopted in McCormick’s supply chains including Regenerative Agriculture, Climate and Pest resilience.
• Leverage technology to drive optimization and transformation (big data, internet of things, Artificial Intelligence).
• Champion seed selection, plant breeding and physiology initiatives for advantage.
• Identify and mobilize research partners (universities, science institutes, etc.).
• Seek external funds.
• Coordinate Technical support to growing partners to enable successful and sustainable production.
• Own a global approach on Regenerative agriculture, leverage internal and external network to deliver.
• Analyze and make recommendations for improved farm models e.g. quality improvement, farm efficiency, yield improvement and Foster Precision agriculture, mechanization, use of technology.
• Provide Agronomic support and advise McCormick’s teams, Farmer Support Programs and Business partners.
• Define processes for pesticides’ recommendations and Maximum Residues Limits (MRL) management.
• Develop MRLs management and avoidance strategies.
• Analyze farm Data and Vendor Questionnaires to determine which problematic crop protection chemicals are used and why.
• Research alternative products or natural agricultural methods e.g. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and designing programs to improve compliance.
• Provide scientific support to McCormick Regulatory teams efforts to lobby for MRLs for herbs and spices.
• Researching and designing future Ag Transformative strategies.
• Elevate internally the ag agenda.
• Publication of findings if relevant.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities
• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices
• Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness
• Tuition assistance
• Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
• Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
• Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees