Reference: 2002384

Description

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation. We achieve this through our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, which gives us the opportunity to set and deliver on ambitious, long-term goals.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on process safety, as well as the safety of our employees and the communities we operate in and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development. This allows for our employees to innovate and generate new ideas, put them into action, and gain insights from them to further advance our collective expertise.

And we are constantly striving to become an even better place to work. BASF has been recognized by Forbes Magazine in 2020 as one of America’s Best Employers. We strongly support the spirit of collaboration through effectively involving team members and colleagues from other relevant units when developing and executing strategies and projects. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for a sustainable future!

Farm Manager (2002384) – Shafter, California, USA

Where the Chemistry Happens…

The Vegetable Seeds R&D Farm Organization develops and maintains the global R&D Farm sites, providing diverse growing environments from open fields to high-tech greenhouses, that allow the R&D Breeding and Research units to realize their strategic objectives cost-effectively and support the operational needs of Operations and Marketing & Sales, where applicable.

We are seeking a professional like you to be responsible for managing and developing appropriate facilities for growing, performing agronomical operations and all related activities supporting Breeding and Research functions located at the site and other functions where applicable as required, with adequate competent manpower resources and readily available pool of seasonal labor. You will also ensure compliance with global BASF and local governmental regulations regarding labor contracting, hygiene, HSE and stewardship (plant product integrity).

Being part of AMER-APAC Farm Management Team, you will contribute to developing and implementing regional farm site and technology innovation strategy that anticipates the evolving needs of the Vegetable Seeds R&D function.

Formula for Success: You Will…

• Hierarchically lead the Shafter farm site & where applicable facilities organization, creating a service and customer-oriented mentality.
• Articulate the R&D services vision to all the employees, highlight how each employee’s work contributes to business success.
• Be responsible for timely and quality execution for all HR processes and continuous professional development of all staff and ensuring successions for key positions.
• In partnership with HR/country team, you will ensure adequate sourcing of workers and smooth functioning of all operations.
• Establish a strong constructive relationship with internal customers through regular discussions and visit key customers to ensure optimal use of services and conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys.
• Manage OpEx and CapEx budget and capacity planning and scheduling with Farm users in Breeding, Research, Operations and Marketing & Sales; Coordinate the resolution of gaps between requested activities and approved budget. Ensure compliance to processes that provide business control, reporting, time capturing etc. for farm/s.
• Ensure that Farm protocols and work practices at site conform to global HSE, Hygiene and Stewardship policies and local laws and regulations.  Responsible for QHSE & Hygiene implementation on farms, ensuring all safety and hygiene procedures are followed and have input in their future development.
• Working in cooperation with legal and procurement, you will negotiate and manage contracts with third party providers (labor, leasing, growing contracts etc.).
• Embrace the one service and seed to seed concepts, drive simplicity for the customer by taking care of all the steps from initial request to delivery of final product with a focus on integrating the different services / technologies offered by R&D services.

Qualifications - BASF recognizes institutions of Higher Education which are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent

Qualifications

• Bachelor / Master’s degree in agriculture or Agronomy or a related field of expertise.
• Relevant managerial experience leading a team, projects, planning.
• Comprehensive knowledge in agronomics, farm management greenhouse technologies, vegetable cultivation technologies, crop protection, seed production and operational management services.
• Sound understanding of breeding, Seed production and R&D processes.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Effective communicator with strong lateral leadership skills and pragmatic solution-oriented approach.
• Proven abilities in workforce management and logistic planning.
• Demonstrated experience with finance (OpEx and CapEx) and accounting practices and project management.
• Knowledge of local corporate and local QHSE regulations and audit processes and experience with implementing QHSE. 
• Strategic and innovative mind-set.
• People management working in team/s
• Builds and enhances trust; effective collaborator and partners
• Detail orientated, comfortable managing and communicating complex logistic and planning data.

Create Your Own Chemistry: What We Offer You

Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. you@BASF is the suite of benefits, perks, programs and unique opportunities we offer to support you—the whole you—in all stages of your life and career. With you@BASF, you create your own chemistry.

The total rewards that you receive as a BASF employee go way beyond a paycheck. From competitive health and insurance plans, to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, to making sure you never stop learning, we believe investing in you is investing in our success. Working for a large, global organization, you’ll have a chance to grow professionally and personally, expand your network and build a rewarding and dynamic career.

BASF provides interesting and challenging learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job.

For further information on Agricultural Products with BASF, please select: BASF: Create Chemistry with the Agricultural Products Division