As an organization further expanding our focus on innovation, across new and enhanced solutions and markets globally, we are advancing our internal R&D team through the addition of a Global Scientific Research Director.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in agriculture applied science, excellent collaboration skills as a leader among leaders, a strong customer focus and a track record of successfully aligning and bringing scientific innovations to market.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the VP of R&D and Innovation under the Global Innovation Platform team this new role will be responsible for driving innovation, identifying and enabling long term product development opportunities, and managing the scientific effort for OCP business group with a primary focus on North America.
- Define, implement and manage the scientific strategy for OCP Innovation, aligning it with the overall business and innovation goals and objectives and translating into relevant projects and programs to be executed across various regions and areas of the business. Inform the long-range growth paths for the organization.
- Contribute to the development of and manage key priorities and deliverables across the broader organization innovation agenda, consolidating the network of long-range innovation strategic components across North America and global regions.
- Collaborate with OCP's global university network, and internally across key roles, to serve as a primary partner in advancing new product and solution development opportunities.
- Drive and champion standardization and global best practices, protocols, and methodologies for optimal pipeline delivery – including our external innovation ecosystem.
- Drive innovation and creativity within the scientific and research team, fostering a culture of experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the creation, the reporting and the communication of scientific knowledge in alignment with the innovation and business strategy and objectives with a customer centric perspective.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including business management teams, marketing, operations, and commercial/business development to ensure seamless integration of research activities with other business functions.
- Identify and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities in the industry leveraging the scouting approach, and make strategic recommendations for investment and development in the field of agricultural science and technology.
- Develop and lead the scientific research governance function for the global innovation platform in charge of validating new technology for further execution and prepare the scientific/research project/programs for portfolio review.
- Manage scientific / research budgets, resources, and timelines, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Foster a culture of intellectual property protection, ensuring that the company's innovations are safeguarded through appropriate patents and licensing agreements.
- Maintain effective communication and interaction with collaboration partners, to ensure execution of short-term plans and to support alignment of long-term strategy for our collaborations.
Qualifications
Required:
- PHD in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in agricultural research and development, with a proven track record of successful product development and commercialization and demonstrating the impact of improvements to agronomic practices.
- Deep understanding of the agricultural industry including market trends, regulatory requirements, and competitive landscape.
- Technical knowledge in overall agronomy, fertilizers, and data generation for field fertilizer management along with scientific and research pipelines and portfolios in Ag.
- Experience working in a global, matrixed organization with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across various geographies.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, building understanding and buy-in.
- Demonstrated ability to connect and manage a network in the academic field (universities)
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and directly initiating and enabling the tactical implementation of strategic initiatives, through internal matrixed partners and external leveraged partnerships.
- Experience successfully seeking business input (strategic imperative and prioritization) and translation into implementable research programs.
- Ability to oversee statistical analysis, with direct experience with Software systems such as: SAS, JMP, R stat, etc.
Preferred:
- Knowledge related to phosphorus and its applications in Agriculture
Grow with Us
OCP North America (OCPNA) is a subsidiary of OCP Group, the world's largest phosphate manufacturer based in Casablanca, Morocco. For over 100 years, OCP Group has built and provided phosphates used in agriculture, feed, chemical manufacturing, and food processing.
Be a part of something great on a global scale. A culture rooted in innovation where empowerment and learning drive expertise and customer focused partnership. Apply your passion and further your impact. Our OCP North America vision is to achieve Sustainable Growth for Everyone, including you.
We offer a comprehensive total rewards package including annual incentive eligibility, a robust paid time off package, 401k plan, medical coverage, vast health and wellbeing benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
OCP North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer