M24274 Deputy Director – Business Services

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIMMYT is seeking a proactive, independent, with problem solving skills and customer service-oriented professional for the position of Deputy Director – Business Services to work on the Business Services Department of CIMMYT

The positions will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City, (45 minutes from Mexico City).

Specific duties:

• Under the authority of the Director, provide operational leadership, guidance, and support to the managers of Procurement, Fleet Management, Facilities, Warehouse, and Travel units.
• Assume direct leadership in areas of responsibility, ensuring continuity of service delivery and decision-making.
• Ensure the execution of annual work plans, service level agreements, KPIs, and milestones for each unit, aligning them with the department’s strategic goals.
• Lead initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery service methods and procedures across all units.
• Assist the Director in managing the Business Services budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial stewardship.
• Collaborate in strengthening interdepartmental and international workflows and processes, ensuring consistent planning and costing approaches across corporate services.
• Collaboratively review current operations and processes to identify opportunities for improvement, continuously monitoring the effectiveness of proposed actions and suggesting changes or innovations.
• Foster a collaborative working environment encouraging innovation, professional growth, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Lead the development and execution of specific strategic initiatives delegated by the Director.
• Guide and monitor the development, implementation, and integration of policies and procedures across all support disciplines, ensuring compliance and consistency.
• Work closely with unit managers to align policies with operational goals and strategic objectives.
• Assist in continuously planning, monitoring, and evaluating service delivery strategies to enhance the department’s impact.
• Manage stakeholder expectations by maintaining clear and consistent communication.
• Coordinate closely with corporate service functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Communications, to align business services with organizational objectives.

• Degree/MBA in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in business services, operations management, or a similar field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• The candidate must have an C1 level of English (English will be tested).
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Dynamics 365.
• Proven experience in managing multiple service functions across geographically dispersed locations.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Able to manage a demanding workload and to manage priorities based on reporting deadlines and impact on the organization.
• Ability to work independently, work under pressure, demonstrate prioritization and planning skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, thinking and problem-solving skills.

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).