Strategic Development Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

About us: 

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description:

The position initiates, directs and executes all scientific research and/or development strategies for the company through critical individual studies for the development and launch of Valent U.S.A. LLC’s robust conventional, sustainable, and organic pipeline.  Applies a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems.  Plans and executes field research.  Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.  Makes major contributions to scientific literature and conferences.  Seen as a Subject Matter Expert and serves as in-house and outside consultant on cropping systems in the Mid-Atlantic states.  May act as spokesperson on corporate research and development and advise top management.   Participates in development of patent applications.  Interfaces with various departments at Valent including marketing and sales.  Provides technical and market support to sales territory account managers and sustainable solutions specialists in assigned geography.  Uses professional concepts to contribute to the development of company concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and conduct research trials with in-depth knowledge of agronomic factors in assigned territory for development of new products and uses (not labeled) per the product business plan.  Will utilize Valent’s internal research software and procedures to develop study protocols and track/report results.
• Conduct sales support trials using a wide range of crop / market knowledge and experience with university cooperators, pest control advisors, and growers.  This includes both product demonstration and small plot replicated studies. Investigate potential product complaints exercising sound judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria to determine workable solutions to resolve problems. 
• Develop and maintain key relationships with important market influencers in assigned territory (including university research & extension personnel, commodity representatives, state and local government employees, growers/producers and pest control advisors). Work closely with Sustainable Solutions Business Unit team to create sustainable strategies and tactics. Assist with product recommendations, labeling, and center of influence (COI) support within the territory.  Communicate actionable information to departments within the organization as required.
• Develop technical PowerPoint presentations and literature exercising in-depth knowledge of agronomics to support product label for use at university, professional society, sales, Grower / Producer and consultant meetings. Review proposed label and advertising copy to ensure technical soundness of product use based on complex issues (efficacy, residues, phytotoxicity, competitor product lines, tank mix partners, etc.).
• Lead and serve on teams and task forces based on having a wide range of experiences; use professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.

Qualifications:

• Typically, a MS or equivalent, with 4 – 8 years of related experience or Ph.D. Degree in biological sciences.
• Customer focus, interpersonal skills, Teamwork. Required to interact with a large range of internal employees/departments and external customers and must demonstrate excellent communication skills.  Internal contacts include the Business Manager/Field Development Manager, Marketing Management, Product Development Managers, Sales and Sustainable Solutions, QA, R&RA, Formulations, Residue Chemistry, ARC Personnel, Research Manager and other FMD Specialists.  External contacts include University and Extension personnel, private test agency scientists, farmers, consultants, the press, ad agencies, commodity group personnel and state regulatory agencies.
• Spreadsheet, word processing, problem solving, communication, detail oriented, evaluation and interpretation of data, equipment/instrument maintenance and repair.
• Assigned large geographic territories multiple states.   May work from remote locations with little or no direct supervision.
• Physical/Safety Requirements: Travel long distances in a vehicle and airplane.  Required overnight travel approximately 25-50%.  Lift a minimum of 40 lbs.  Required to hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.  Able to work outdoors in adverse (heat, cold, etc.) conditions.  
• Must be able to obtain pesticide applicator license and other state required licenses. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment (FIELD Position)

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Physical Demands include constant walking, standing, bending at the neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, simple grasping, power grasping, and fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.; also frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 lbs., occasional sitting and lifting and carrying of up to 100+ lbs.   Travel by air or car up to 50% of the time and will be required to drive safely for long distances.
• Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around moving cars, trucks, forklifts, equipment, and machinery including a computer keyboard and mouse; uneven ground; excessive noise; extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness; dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals; venomous insects and animals, heights; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot movement; use of special visual or auditory protective equipment.  May be required to work outdoors in an agricultural crop field, assist in putting out demonstration plots, wear respirator and other personal protection equipment.  
• Frequency Definitions:  Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all eligible full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent U.S.A. LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent U.S.A. LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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