Trials Excellence Manager

dlfseedsas•Town of Hamilton, WI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Trials Excellence Manager at DLF West Salem plays a critical role in supporting DLF’s global breeding and research programs by ensuring world‑class execution of field trials, trial seed production, seed processing, and overall site operations. This position is responsible for integrating individual trial plans from breeders and researchers into a cohesive, optimized annual site plan that balances crop rotation, resource availability, and operational efficiency. Through strong planning, prioritization, and an eye for continuous improvement, the Trials Excellence Manager ensures the delivery of high‑quality trials and reliable data across multiple species. As a key leader on site, this role oversees a dedicated trials excellence team and fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork. The Trials Excellence Manager ensures effective daily coordination, manages site budgets and investments, and upholds a high standard of site maintenance and operational performance. They collaborate closely with internal teams, local landowners, and global stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of trial seeds, high-quality trial execution, and clear alignment on priorities. This role is also a core member of the North America R&D Management Team and an active participant in both the North America and global TEM networks. Through knowledge sharing, process standardization, and cross‑site collaboration, the Trials Excellence Manager contributes to elevating trials excellence across DLF’s global network. The position is instrumental in shaping the culture, fostering continuous improvement, and supporting strategic priorities for R&D operations in North America in alignment with DLF values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Operations, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
5+ years of experience in agricultural research operations, field trial management, farm management, or seed production environments.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing multi‑species field trials, including crop rotations, field preparation, trial layout, and harvest logistics.
Proven people leadership experience, including leading teams, scheduling labor, coaching employees, and conducting performance reviews.
Strong operational planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, seasonal workloads, and deadlines.
Working knowledge of seed processing, including cleaning, treatment, and packaging workflows.
Proficiency with digital tools, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams), farm or trial management software, and basic data systems.
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across breeding, research, operations, and cross‑functional teams.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and optimize the annual field trial program in alignment with breeding objectives, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Integrate individual trial plans from breeders and researchers into a cohesive, site‑wide operational plan that considers crop rotation, field capacity, timelines, and resource constraints.
Ensure balanced resource allocation across multiple species undergoing breeding and trialing at West Salem.
Oversee field preparation, sowing, maintenance, phenotyping activities, and harvesting to ensure high‑quality, consistent data generation.
Maintain proper crop rotations to preserve trial integrity, soil health, and long-term site sustainability.
Collaborate with local farmers and landowners to secure land access and support rotation planning.
Plan, prioritize, and oversee the cleaning, processing, quality assurance, and packaging of trial seed.
Ensure timely delivery of trial seed to internal breeding teams, research partners, and external DLF stakeholders.
Manage farm crops and rotations to support trial quality and maximize efficient use of available land.
Identify, apply for, and administer applicable grants that support trial execution, farm activities, or site improvements.
Lead, develop, and motivate the trials excellence team to foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and collaboration.
Organize and lead weekly field team meetings to coordinate daily and weekly operations.
Work closely with breeders and researchers to align priorities, resolve conflicts, and ensure operational readiness.
Conduct annual Performance Development Reviews (PDRs) for all direct reports and support ongoing coaching and development.
Ensure adequate staffing levels, including full‑time team members and seasonal/temporary workers based on operational needs.
Set daily and weekly priorities to ensure efficient coordination across trials, seed processing, farm activities, and site maintenance.
Develop, manage, and maintain accountability for the site’s annual budget, including input purchases, operational costs, and capital investments.
Oversee maintenance of buildings, equipment, and grounds, ensuring a safe, professional, and visitor‑ready environment.
Identify, implement, and evaluate new technologies, equipment, and processes that enhance trial execution, data quality, or operational efficiency.
Serve as an active member of the North America R&D Management Team, contributing to regional alignment, culture, and continuous improvement.
Promote strong cross‑functional collaboration across all site teams to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery of data, seed, and operational support.
Participate actively in the North America TEM network to share learnings, coordinate CAPEX requests, and align best practices.
Contribute to the global TEM network by sharing expertise and supporting the development and standardization of trials excellence across DLF sites worldwide.
Support TEM efforts to operate as a coordinated global network, identifying opportunities to optimize trial activities across locations.
Assist with various duties as needed.