Senior Manager of Research & Development

JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking a strategic and people-focused Senior Manager of Research and Development. This position will support the Director in managing the research department and leading operations at our Salinas Research station. This role is responsible for managing both the physical site and a diverse team of professionals, ensuring the station operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with our research goals. Other essential duties include directing research are budget management, breeding guidance and review, and the facilitation of adequate breeding support. In addition, the Senior Manager of Research and Development may be assigned responsibilities for specific other breeding and non-breeding projects. The ideal candidate will be a proven as a commercial horticultural breeder with a passion for agriculture, a commitment to team development, and the ability to drive operational excellence in a dynamic research environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

Research Coordination

• Ensures optimum performance of the Research function. Recommends and implements techniques to improve productivity, increase breeding efficiencies, cut costs, and maintain up-to-date Research and Breeding practices.
• Ensures accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting in alignment with research goals.
• Represents the station at conferences, community outreach events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Participates in all breeding reviews; assesses completed work, future projects, and budget & personnel allocations. Suggest solutions and considers input from others.
• Assists in charting the course of the company in response to internal and external developments in the industry.
• Reviews performance against operating plans and standards. Provides reports on interpretation of results and recommends changes in direction of plans.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other Sakata subsidiaries to facilitate the sharing of germplasm, the pursuit of common breeding goals, and the development of competitive products.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other internal departments of the company in establishing and carrying out responsibilities.
• Reviews and recommends changes in major projects within the department's functional areas.
• Reviews research support functions such as biotechnology and breeder support pathology and recommends changes in scope, funding, and direction.
• Assumes other special activities and responsibilities as directed.
  
  

Site Management

• Oversees & optimizes site logistics and daily operations of the Salinas research station, including administrative functions, farm operations, facility maintenance and related activities.
• Ensures compliance with agricultural safety standards, environmental regulations, and research protocols.
• Monitor and report on site productivity, sustainability practices, and operational efficiency.
• Defines and recommends objectives for the Salinas station.
• Reviews and approves site budget, financial reports, cost control reports, cost estimates, human resources and facilities requirements for all related functions of the research facility.
  
  

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team including breeder, technicians, field workers, and administrative staff.
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards to drive accountability and excellence.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations as well as assigning SMART goals, provide constructive feedback, and create individualized development plans.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, and safety-conscious workplace culture that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Facilitate team-building initiatives, professional development opportunities, and succession planning.
• Effectively manage conflict, resolve personnel issues, and support employee well-being and engagement.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of agricultural systems, plant breeding methods, field trial design, and research methodologies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and reasoning abilities.
• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinates, both local and remote.
• Results oriented with the ability to balance other business considerations.
  
  

Educational Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• PhD highly desirable.
  
  

Experience And Background

• 10+ years of experience in commercial horticultural plant breeding and team leadership.
• 5+ years of experience working in seed research and development.
• Demonstrated success in hiring, training, managing and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations.
• Leadership experience that includes a growth mind set, leading by example and a strong competitive drive.
• Experience with budgeting, compliance, and operational oversight.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.
• Must be able to travel up to 25-40% of the time throughout the year. On-site presence required frequently at Salinas station.
• Work may involve outdoor field conditions and seasonal variability.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps
• Company vehicle
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.