Sakata Seed America, Inc. · 11 hours ago
Senior Manager of Research & Development
Woodland, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $175K/yr
10+ years expSakata Seed America, Inc. is seeking a strategic and people-focused Senior Manager of Research and Development. This role involves managing the research department, leading operations at the Salinas Research station, and ensuring efficient and safe operations aligned with research goals.
AgricultureFood and BeverageWine And Spirits
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or a related field
10+ years of experience in commercial horticultural plant breeding and team leadership
5+ years of experience working in seed research and development
Proven experience releasing multiple commercial varieties as a vegetable breeder
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
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
Preferred
PhD highly desirable
Benefits
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
Company
Sakata Seed America, Inc.
Sakata Seed America was established in 1977 as a research, production, and sales division of Sakata Seed Corporation.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
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2025-05-06
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