Job Description

Position Title: Manager, Potato Variety Research
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time xe2x80x8b
Position Location: Florenceville Main
Requisition ID: 35547
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Seed & Variety Development Manager to lead seed agronomy among McCains contracted seed growers as well as manage potato variety trials focused on French fry processing varieties across our North American regions. The role will work with both internal teams and external collaborators to oversee the Variety Stage Gate process, including trial design, execution, data collection, summarization of results and provide recommendations on a varietys progression through the Stage Gate process. The Manager will lead Seed Agronomist(s) whom will manage a seed agronomy research program, extend research results to growers, and collaborate with growers on crop improvement plans. The Manager will be the lead contact with external parties involved in seed technology development, will be expected to attend industry meetings, and visit breeders to maintain variety development collaborations on McCains behalf. The successful candidate will play a key role in evaluating new potato varieties to ensure they meet the specific requirements for seed production, commercial growers, and processing. The Manager will cooperate with the seed production team to create seed supply for high-potential varieties and manage pipelines to align with long-term business goals. Ideal candidates will have a good understanding of seed potato production, agricultural research, and potato breeding. This position can be located near any of our commercial regions (Othello, WA; Burley, ID; Coaldale, AB; Carberry, MB; Plover, WI; Easton, ME; Florenceville, NB) and will report directly to the Director of Agriculture, Seed & Variety.
Key Responsibilities:

• Trial Design and Management:

• In collaboration with the Agronomy Research Specialist, plan, design, and implement potato variety development trials aimed at evaluating processing quality, agronomic performance, and overall yield potential.
• Oversee trials in multiple locations across North America, ensuring proper trial protocols and consistency across all sites.
• Collaborate with breeders, agronomists, and processing experts to select varieties that meet the specific needs of our business.
• Ensure that trials adhere to local regulatory guidelines and best agricultural practices.

• Seed Agronomy:

• Support Seed Agronomist in the development, execution, and analysis of seed potato research.
• Support Seed Agronomist in the extension of variety management guidelines and seed production research to McCain contracted seed growers.
• Assist Seed Agronomist in the development of a North American McCain seed quality standard which can be integrated into standard production contracting.
• Seek out technology and innovation which advances the management practices used for seed production.
• Support Seed Agronomist and seed growers in the implementation of seed production innovations.

• Foster collaboration between seed and commercial growers to achieve superior utility of seed and maximize variety performance.

• Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and business needs.
• Coordinate and manage trial activities with external collaborators, including private and public breeding programs, and universities.
• Serve as the lead contact for all varieties progressing through the McCain New Variety Stage Gate process.

• Data Collection and Analysis:

• Supervise data collection processes at all trial locations, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Utilize statistical software and tools for data summarization and visualization to aid in decision-making.
• Analyze, summarize and report trial results to internal stakeholders and external collaborators in a clear and actionable format.

• Travel and Fieldwork:

• Travel (up to 50%) to trial locations across North America to monitor trials, train field staff, and ensure the highest standards in trial execution.
• Participate, and at times present, at field days, conferences, and industry events to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in potato breeding and variety development, as well as networking with other industry leaders.

• Reporting and Documentation:

• Develop comprehensive trial reports and presentations, summarizing results and recommendations for breeding programs and commercial adoption.
• In collaboration with the Agronomy Research Specialist, maintain detailed records of variety development trial designs, data, and outcomes for future reference and compliance purposes.
• Continually seek to improve the efficiency and capabilities of the variety development program through new digital and physical tools to speed data collection and improve accuracy.

Professional Development

• Engage in continuous learning opportunities to develop skills and knowledge of potato breeding, production and agricultural research.
• Be an engaged and energetic team member supporting fellow Agricultural team members and company objectives.
• Be the face of McCain Agriculture: Represent McCain Foods as a leader in the potato industry.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis and reporting of results is critical.

• Strong knowledge of seed potato production, potato breeding, agronomy, and processing quality traits, with a focus on French fry production.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and computer skills needed.
• Strong communication skills for reporting results and liaising with internal and external partners.
• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, or a related field; and at least 10 years experience. Masters degree in related agricultural sciences and at least 5 years experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple trials and stakeholders simultaneously; capable of leading people through collaboration.
• Ability to travel frequently and work in diverse field conditions.
• A strong bias towards workplace safety both for McCain employees and our grower partners.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid drivers license
Qualifications
Minimum to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility in a satisfactory manner in the work environment conditions described above. The essential responsibilities listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required but do not represent all tasks or duties that may be asked of the position.
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Compensation Package: $102,700.00 - $137,000.00 CAD annually + bonus eligibility + Long Term Incentive eligibility
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education/training, and other organizational needs.
Benefits: At McCain, were on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and wellbeing at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each persons needs are unique and ensure our benefits & wellbeing programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement. Wellbeing programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned to country, provincial and state governing plans and can vary by work level, location and nature of the role. Additional benefit details available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and were here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work xe2x80x94 and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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Job Family: Agriculture
Division: NA Ag Strategy
Department: xe2x80x8bVariety Development xe2x80x8b
Location(s): CA - Canada : New Brunswick : Florenceville-Bristol
Company: McCain Foods (Canada)