New Cultivar Operations Manager (Ref 12/1709/PB)

Introduction

Our client, an internationally respected grower-owned and established organisation, continually focuses on providing premium quality and value to their brand of fruit and is recognised as the ‘best in the world.’ They have partnered with New Zealand’s premier research institute to drive an innovative world-class breeding programme dedicated to the development of new cultivars/varieties, concomitant with optimisation of orchard productivity for the existing varieties.

Based in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, the New Cultivar Operations Manager position is part of a broader Innovation team charged with developing and delivering world-class research and development programmes. Utilizing your proven scientific project management experience, you will manage research and development solutions, from inception to adoption, focusing on the development and delivery of high quality New Kiwifruit Cultivars, whilst, providing effective Stakeholder Management.

An important aspect of the role is to bridge relationships between the organization, its research partners and the Grower Groups in New Zealand. Your focus will be to facilitate collaborative and effective operations through enhanced communication and alignment between key stakeholders enabling them to deliver appropriate science and impact.

Requirements

Key responsibilities of this role will include;

• Operations and Management of the New Cultivar Development Portfolio in New Zealand, while working at the interface between two partner organisations and other stakeholders.

• Project management, including establishing and monitoring KPIs for portfolio performance, liaison and co-ordination of project leaders and project team members, industry steering groups and monitoring of milestones, accurate and timely reporting, concomitant with financial management.

• Diligently communicate research project outcomes to key stakeholders, providing expert evaluation and reporting on the effectiveness of completed projects and following through to providing advice and support on effective dissemination of knowledge to end users.
• Developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders including growers, suppliers, consultants, industry groups, and research providers to ensure highest levels of commercial, political and scientific support for organisations’ research portfolio.

To be considered for this role, you will ideally have the following skills and attributes;

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification in Horticulture/Agriculture Science. Experience in New Cultivar Development is highly desirable.
• Proven working experience at a Senior Level within a similar role with a commercial focus.
• Project Management experience with the ability to plan projects well in advance, taking into account resources, deviations and deadlines. Experience in implementation of strategic business plans.
• Strategic ability to identify issues and opportunities and develop communications solutions that deliver on business goals and values.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels of the business, whilst, consistently upholding the organisation’s values and ethics.
• Intuitive and logical problem solving skills, where you are able to make informed decisions.
• Self-motivated, resilient with a ‘can do’ attitude and a high level of flexibility to adapt to change in circumstances.

Key to your success will be your excellent communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain strong networks/relationships with relevant scientific research communities, funding partners and other key stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

This is a 3 year fixed term, where you will have the enviable opportunity to play a pivotal role within these prestigious organisations’ New Zealand R & D Portfolio as well their Global Expansion Strategy.

To learn more about this outstanding opportunity, apply online today with a CV and Cover letter in WORD format only, quoting job number 12/1709/PB to pavan@str.co.nz or call Pavan on 09 5255520 for a confidential discussion.