QA Lab Manager - Minnesota

Manage, maintain, develop and optimize physiological testing protocols for both corn and soybeans. Ensure that physiological testing demands are met in a timely, reliable and cost effective manner. Develop QA testing systems that ensure consistent results across all physiological QA labs. Initiate and participate in quality improvement efforts. Provide technical training and access to Physiological testing philosophies to sales forces to the 3 distinct brands. Accountabilities • Standardize, optimize and coordinate physiological tests that are reliable, accurate, cost effective, timely and pertinent. • Communicate with QA Managers, production plants, parent seed and research staff to understand and anticipate testing demands during the peak seasons. Develop clear sample submission guidelines, to ensure evenly distributed testing loads during peak testing periods.  • Provide procedural and technical leadership for all Supply Chain personnel in quality improvement efforts. • Develop and implement new physiological testing protocols to meet the evolving needs of the business. • Calibrate 3rd party labs and develop a list of approved 3rd party labs, to facilitate outside testing when the need arises. • Validate physiological test results / procedures across all labs through routine internal calibration work. • Develop a professional, highly competent staff through motivation, continuing education and by providing a stimulating work environment. Create an environment that rewards innovative thinking within the team for continual process improvement. • Maintain, through training and testing protocols, a safe work environment in accordance with HSE policies. • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Critical knowledge • BS / BA in biological or agricultural field is required • RST and/or RGT certification • Understanding of the linkage between production practices and physiological quality • Familiarity with state and federal seed laws and sampling techniques Critical experience • Minimum 3 years Physiological QA lab management and lab testing experience • Experience in vigor and viability testing methodologies Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities • Strong written and oral communication skills • Ability to oversee and manage the testing activities of satellite lab location(s) • Proficient with common (word processing, spreadsheet and database) computer software • Customer-Focused – ability to work cross functionally, while recognizing the requirements of a diverse customer base • Results-Oriented – provide timely, accurate and reliable data as needed • Communicative – effectively communicate QA results and trends to customer, while developing a working relationship with these customers • Team-Oriented – effective at working and communicating with numerous cross-functional groups • Innovative – ability to research, understand, develop and validate new testing protocols that meet evolving business needs • This position requires a high degree of knowledge in physiological testing methodologies, coupled with a participative management style that motivates and challenges the team to embrace change in testing technology Critical leadership capabilities • Skillfully plans, organizes and monitors performance to meet deadlines • Senses and adapts to the changing environment to achieve excellence in delivery • Prioritizes actions and ensures appropriate support and resource • Helps us see how our objectives are aligned to the company strategy and add value

• Assess and understand the physiological testing needs of the Supply Chain team • Analytical and problem solving orientation • Ability to adapt with evolving testing techniques and technologies • Maintain cost effective in-house testing for all high volume physiological testing needs • Ability to anticipate and react to emerging physiological quality issues

• A minimum of 2 years in current position is required (requirement for internal applicants only) • All applicants must be eligible to work in the US PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Occasional travel by auto and airplane WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Ability to work in field, plant, laboratory and office settings • Ability to handle high stress periods during peak testing seasons • Ability for overnight travel