Associate Manager ZES Operations

<!–

Description

–>

• Contribute to the Leadership Team of the Breeding Operations Unit (BOU) to ensure this is a high-performing team with excellence and trust as core values
• Participate in the development and evolution of BOU and IRRI initiatives to enhance service performance, efficiency, and value.
• Manage daily delivery of field services, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure for ZES operations, ensuring strength and efficiency.
• Lead the Zeigler Experiment Station’s daily operations, implementing new business strategies identifying ways to enhance its services, and supervise the implementation of strategic changes
• Ensure sustainable operations that focus on high-quality service, efficiency improvement, customer satisfaction, and proper budget and manpower management
• Implement full cost recovery initiatives on the research station and maximize the usage of new technologies to enable innovation, communication and greater efficiencies by coordinating with Finance
• Implement appropriate risk management strategies including workplace health and safety and ensure site operations comply with all corporate governance and regulatory frameworks
• Manage the utilization of third-party service providers in the delivery of services in research and facility management and maintenance.
• Provide leadership and directions for the implementation and management of agronomic research operations at other IRRI-managed research hubs, such as Varanasi and Burundi
• Oversee the ZES budget, including allocation, approval, financial status, forecasting future demands, and ensuring funds are available for smooth service delivery.
• Oversee QMS implementation procedures and controls through risk management, effective documentation, upgrade methods, and quality maintenance of methods, equipment and facilities
• Enhance operational efficiency programs within BOU, thereby reducing costs, enhancing service quality and value, and enhancing OHS&E standards.
• Review existing processes, policies and guidelines to ensure efficient performance of the unit
• Collaborate with the Breeding Operations Manager to ensure efficient service delivery and function of BOU, while also collaborating with research groups for service development and technology acquisition.
• Coordinate with IRRI research hubs and BOM to ensure clear communication, data transfer, and standardization of operations across the IRRI network.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders for program, product development, funding, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, and IRRI’s best interests.
• Manage staff requirements, activities and work allocation and foster constructive working relationships with all BOU staff to ensure a harmonious workplace environment
• Coaching and mentoring of staff, evaluating performance, providing training and education opportunities and building an effective and efficient team
• Prepare reports for submission to BOM and/or stakeholders (FCR reports)
• Provide performance feedback of ZES staff to BOM and develop initiatives to optimize productivity and achievement of goals
• Efficient provision of world-class research facilities, including screen house and greenhouse facilities, phytotron, research fields and supporting utilities, operations and services
• Oversee the management of the facility services which includes landscape and waste management at the staff housing and research center
• Lead, develop and implement policies for daily operations in the field, greenhouse and phytotron facilities ensuring compliance with modern, international standards and other legal requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields with 5 years of relevant work experience
• Master’s in Business Administration, Management Agricultural Engineering with 4 years of relevant work experience

• Has experience in supervising a team
• Has worked in a Project Management environment
• Has proven experience forging partnerships
• Is client-oriented
• Has strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Has excellent organizational and operations planning skills
• Has skills in post-harvest grain handling

<!—

<!–

–>