The Director of Seed Production is a key leadership role. This position will define and drive our global agronomic strategy to ensure continuous seed availability, high quality, and operational excellence. It will involve leading production and purchasing team members in forecasting and executing global seed production contracts, as well seeking continuous improvement in our genetics. It will also require developing meaningful relationships with existing growers while striving to diversify and expand our global grower network. This role requires directed and purposeful collaboration with all departments in including sales, product, quality, and operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead production and purchasing team in all elements of Grower and Supplier procurement including forecasting, PO or Contract execution, and Supplier/Grower communication.
- Effectively negotiate pricing, terms or other conditions with grower and suppliers.
- Oversee the ASCO Stock Seed program to ensure the highest quality genetics are maintained in adequate quantities to accommodate future crops.
- Collaborate with Director of Product to monitor and improve crop genetics as well as identification of new species for production.
- Deepen existing grower and supplier relationships and expand new grower opportunities to further diversify the ASCO global grower network.
- Travel internationally to remote grower locations for crop assessment and conduct grower business meetings.
- Develop and oversee the ASCO vendor management program.
- Professionally represent ASCO at industry conferences, events, and at supplier and grower visits.
- Execute strong leadership skills as a contributing member of the ASCO Leadership team. Participate in Leadership meetings and contribute to corporate strategy and goals.
- Strong financial acumen and strategic mindset.
- Emphasis on critical thinking abilities regarding inventory levels, grower selection, and crop placement.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
- Proactive, detail-oriented, with excellent time management and task prioritization skills.
- Effective at identifying and resolving issues.
- Clear and concise communication skills, both verbal and written
- Self-starter and able to independently move projects forward, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to see the big picture and initiate change and improvement when necessary.
- Adapts easily to rapidly changing requests, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult or stressful situations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, horticulture, or related fields.
Experience
- 5 years of seed, agriculture, horticulture, agronomic experience.
- Strong technical background in seed production.
Physical Demands/Office Environment
- Domestic and international travel will be required.
- Attend trade shows and conferences.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Use of standard office equipment (phone, computer, printer).
- Ability to move throughout building including stairs.
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain and adverse weather in production fields.