OVERVIEW
Reporting to the CEO of the Florida Sugar Cane League and the FSCL Research Committee, the Director is responsible for the planning, budgeting, supervision, and execution of the day-to-day management of the FSCL variety development research initiatives. The Director supports the short and long-term strategic planning for innovation and research to improve FSCL research operation’s productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the research program in sugarcane variety development, and potential adoption and expansion of new varieties to increase productivity, optimize costs, and drive sustainability of the Florida sugarcane industry.
• Work with the FSCL Research Committee to create and implement short- and long-term strategic plans.
• Monitor the execution of the research plans and periodically make continuous improvements/adjustments, based on research needs.
• Develop detailed project plans, resource needs and budgets that align with FSCL goals and objectives.
• Provide vision, guidance, and perspective to staff in the pursuit of their respective roles and activities.
• Promote excellence in research output by regularly assessing and evaluating employee’s performance.
• Ensure effective communication by encouraging active engagement within FSCL and between all Florida companies and outside collaborators (WICSCBS, University of Florida, USDA-ARS, and other research agencies).
• Manage the relationship with our collaborators (WICSCBS, University of Florida, USDA-ARS, and other research agencies) to continuously review and improve the strategy for variety development and/or development of new technologies.
• Responsible for the proper and successful execution of research trials and the implementation or scale up.
• Responsible for the proper documentation of research reports, data acquisition and storage, database organization, and data analysis that will be used for decision-making or recommendations for the Florida sugarcane industry.
• Maintain consistent communication with the FSCL Research Committee and outside collaborators (WICSCBS, University of Florida, USDA-ARS, and other research agencies).
• Coach team members and provide feedback to all levels and maintain a professional and courteous relationship with all internal employees and outside collaborators.
• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to drive continuous improvements in the organization, efficiency of the work, and research performed.
• Comply with and adhere to all FSCL policies and procedures as outlined by the FSCL Human Resources advisory panel.
• Perform all other duties as directed by the FSCL Research Committee.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of ten (10) years’ work experience in R&D (preferred) in variety development with strong emphasis in technical knowledge and managing people.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Physiology, Genetics, Agronomy, or a closely related field.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Solid working knowledge of different agricultural operations/practices, variety development, research trials, experimental design, process design, scale-up and use of advanced lab/analytical tools.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of farming and research trends.
• Strong people management skills and proven record of people leadership to motivate employees and drive results.
• Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others.
• Maintain effective working relationships with team members, management, and outside collaborators.
• Data-driven problem solver and intense curiosity and desire to go beneath the surface of the analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, data mining, data reporting, relational databases, and ability in visualizing and communicating research results to support data-driven decisions.
• Ability to analyze information, identify underlying principles, reasons or facts of information and make deductions based on information.
• Ability to track and report data, as needed.
• Ability for associative thinking, curiosity, and creativity.
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task and deliver on accountabilities to resolve any outstanding issues.
• Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively.
• Demonstrate flexibility and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Exercise good judgment and solid thought process.
• Ability to apply and adapt to practices and techniques to the special requirements of the FSCL Research Committee.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, senior level management and outside collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to respond to inquiries and/or complaints from team members or members of the business community.
• Ability to prepare budgets, review, and report on a regularly basis to the FSCL senior management.
• Ability to interpret financial reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, PowerBI), statistical analysis, and business intelligence.
• Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges with a sense of urgency.
• The job requires working outdoors in the South Florida environment and will involve physical labor, standing, walking and lifting.
• The candidate must be prepared to work in these varied environmental conditions and be aware of necessary safety and health precautions