The Agricultural Science 2023 Capability review and Global Ag Strategy review identified the need for globally aligned, strategically located, R&D Agricultural Science research hubs. These hubs, or ‘FutureFarms’ bring together a range of research capabilities, and enable collaborative, scaled, in-region field research that is in-step with our commercial growers. The hubs will facilitate cornerstone programs for variety specific agronomy (VSA), breeding, Ag-Tech, soil health, pep+ and finished product quality for potato and oat.

This role / person will bring a unique set of skills and experience which will allow them to deliver across key areas:

• Accountability for, but not limited to the execution of variety specific agronomy field trials/research projects facilitated at the Indochina ‘FutureFarms’ and other locations, through collaboration with internal stakeholders and external vendors. These trials will span multiple disciplines including, but not limited to variety specific agronomy, disease tolerance to local pests, nitrogen optimization, microbiome, climate adaptability, Ag-Tech and soil health, for both in-season and post-harvest research focuses. Interpretation and reporting associated experimental results and make recommendations based on observations, data analysis and consultation with subject matter experts
• Understand local plant patent regulations, use security planned trialing to mitigate loss of key foundational genetics that feed the entire Lays global potato breeding program- Decide
• Be a subject matter expert in research agronomy trialling for potato across R&D categories, Office of Sustainability and Procurement
• Work collaboratively both internally within Agricultural Science, other R&D functions, and with external suppliers and vendors to enable delivery of projects which support Walkers, Lays and Quaker through delivery against Global Ag Strategy commitments, including pep+ goals, productivity and consumer quality advantage
• Work collaboratively with growers where we share lab facilities for the purpose of completing post harvest quality assessments for potato, including fry quality and potato storage
• Negotiate contracts with external research collaborators, holding them to account against agreed deliverables to ensure project timelines are met
• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with partners within R&D and with other non-R&D project stakeholders (Procurement, Office of Sustainability)
• Provide regular and timely project progress updates to key stakeholders to ensure continued alignment with business objectives
• Provide high quality research outcomes to support and document delivery against the Global Ag Strategy, AOP and pep+ goals

• Minimum MSc in Breeding Agriculture/Crop Science or equivalent, plus minimum 5 years experience in designing and executing field research projects with variety line assessment, agronomy, Ag-Tech and/or sustainable agriculture.
• The above experience must include potato, ideally for the processing/crisping industry.
• Experience in plant pathology, potato storage research would be advantageous.
• Experience in experimental design of field and lab-based experiments.
• Skilled in working with large datasets and statistical interpretation.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects to deliver specified goals.
• Innovative attitude demonstrated through past experience and track record.
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects within a project management framework.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex scientific concepts to other scientists and to non-technical business partners.
• Ability to partner as part of a high-performing global working team.
• Experience working with, and managing, external vendors.
• Ability to design and execute field research trials in collaboration with internal partners and stakeholders to deliver statistically meaningful research that meets the aims of projects across agronomy, crop physiology, agritech and soil health disciplines.
• Proactive planning to layout trials and seed storage in a manner that is secure and protects identity of parental line genetics that are foundational for the entire global breeding program.
• Ability to balance need to deliver aggressive business innovation goals with scientific excellence
• A proven ability to work closely with colleagues within a matrix organization to deliver complex projects with a high degree of flexibility and comfort with change
• Partner effectively and have excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all levels and all functions of the organization.
• Utilize strong written and oral skills to provide regular reports and data summaries to project teams and department leaders.
• Strong analytical skills – ability to interpret complex data and distil into useful and actionable information.
• Good presentation skills (written & verbal) in Thai and English
• Cultural sensitivity, with flexibility and respect for different cultures.
• Self-starter, self-motivated – very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.