Research & Development Business Manager - Northern California

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC • Chico, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Helena as an R&D Business Manager and lead innovation from the ground up at our Northern California territory location based in Chico, CA. In this pivotal leadership role, you'll oversee a dynamic team of research professionals, guiding field-based research operations across a diverse portfolio of crops including tree nuts, tree fruits, wine grapes, rice, field crops and row crops. You'll be at the forefront of product development, managing the full lifecycle from benchtop chemistry to commercialization. As the strategic bridge between R&D and Sales, you'll help shape the future for sustainable agricultural solutions while managing a dynamic business, driving team performance, and fostering key relationships with internal stakeholders and the grower community. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in agronomy, weed science, entomology, pathology or related discipline is required.
• Three years of related work experience is required.
• Must have QAL (Qualified Applicators License) or will need to obtain immediately.
• Intermediate understanding of statistics and data analysis is required.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Good judgement and decision-making skills.
• Consistently produces high quality data evaluation and presentations.
• Presentation skills to small and large groups with ability to lead and influence.
• Detail orientated with an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent knowledge with ARM or other equivalent field research software.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to coordinate a high level of activities under a variety of conditions and constraints.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with all members of the sales and marketing and HPG team.
• Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
• Valid U.S. driver's license is required and must meet all company requirements to drive a Helena vehicle.
• Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.
• Ability to travel by various means up to 10% is required.
• Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or PhD is preferred.
• Two years of leadership experience is preferred.
• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) license and Pest Control Adviser (PCA) is preferred.
• Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.

Responsibilities

• Manages all facets of the field-based R&D operation within the territory assigned.
• Oversees management, training and recruitment of R&D employees.
• Prepares, reviews and manages budgets and P&L statements for assigned profit center.
• Manages and delegates assignments to appropriate R&D team members.
• Manages and participates in the application and evaluation of experimental and standard products in agricultural and specialty business sectors for their efficacy and performance.
• Actively identifies and establishes relationships with development, technical service and Sales Representatives for the recruitment of study assignments within territory.
• Establishes relationships with Helena field teams and growing community for placement of studies within territory.
• Serves as a technical lead for the development and launch of new technologies within assigned territory.
• Actively identifies new technology and methods for field development of products in agricultural and specialty markets with inclusion of phenotyping, drones, software systems and other new technologies.
• Reviews and compiles collected data and reports and communicates reports/findings to appropriate departments, vendors, academia, customers and others as needed. This includes making presentations at sales, training, supplier and professional meetings.
• Represents Helena at professional societies, outreach activities, grower and sales meetings, field days and other functions.
• May be required to drive a company vehicle.
• Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
• Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Follows all company policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
• Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
• Three-year vesting on company-match with 1,000 hours of service.
• Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.
• Up to 15 days paid time-off plus 9 paid holidays.
• Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
• Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
• Up to four weeks of paid Parental Leave.
• Education Assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager