Product Development Specialist
: Job Details :

Product Development Specialist - NC, SC, VA Company DescriptionClifton Seed Company is a family business specializing in hybrid vegetable seeds from major U.S. and foreign producers. Since 1928, we have been a trusted source of seed for growers across the country. With locations in NY, NC, GA, and FL, we provide high-quality seeds to support agricultural needs. Role DescriptionThe Product Development Specialist will be responsible for market research, product management, communication, and research and development (R&D) tasks to support the growth and innovation of our seed products. ResponsibilitiesPlanning: The PD will work with our salespeople as well as the sales and product management people of our various suppliers to identify new varieties to be trialed in each area. In addition, prospective growers must be identified who may be willing to house the trials. These plans must be made well in advance of the selling season to be sure that trial seed is available and that growers leave space in their fields for the planting.Implementing: The PD will be responsible for securing and distributing trial seed, working with the area sales representatives to plant or oversee the planting of all trials and assuring that all trials are planted according to uniform standards that will be determined by the PD. These standards should include minimum size of trials, how varieties are marked, etc.Follow-up: The PD will be responsible for following the progress of each trial and maintaining organized records and documentation for the process. This can be accomplished through personal visits, telephone calls with the grower or through coordinated visits by our salespeople. It is important to know what and how environmental variables such as weather affect the plants, as well as determining the optimum time for viewing the trial.Evaluating: The PD will be responsible for evaluating trials and compiling results to be reported to our salespeople, as well as the variety breeder. This is very important in instances where the breeder was not involved in the trial but should be done whether the breeder has done their own evaluation. The PDC will assist in developing a product evaluation form.Communication: The PD will be responsible for producing clear and meaningful documentation of trial results to the Clifton sales team, as well as communicating all trial information and evaluations to the supplier who provided the trail seed. Job Requirements: This position requires a highly organized and detail-oriented individual. Candidate must be able to interact with growers in a professional manner. Excellent social and communication skills are a must.Must be able to travel independently and overnight.Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. A vehicle and means of transporting seeds/plants will be provided. To Apply:Submit resumes by clicking Apply To This Position