Global Process Automation Manufacturing Leader


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Job Title: Global Process Automation Manufacturing Leader
Location: Des Moines, IA, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Vylor
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Plant & Soil Sciences, Seed & Biotechnology
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
Job Description: Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture?

 

At Vylor, we're advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer , Brevant , and Hoegemeyer , delivering performance farmers rely on.?

 

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what's next in crop science.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Global Process Automation Manufacturing Leader. In this position you will set the direction for shop-floor automation across the seed manufacturing global network. You will partner with seed operations, IT and operations technology (OT) teams to deliver safe, compliant, high-performing solutions that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and strengthen the overall employee experience. You will have leadership oversight of an automation portfolio aligned to business priorities and Industry 4.0 standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Set strategy & roadmap: Define the global shop-floor automation strategy and roadmap; build business cases and benefits.

  • Partner with stakeholders: Work with seed operations and cross-functional SMEs to understand regional business strategies, align automation priorities and drive adoption and execution. Communicate progress, risks, and decisions clearly.

  • Lead standards & governance: Refine and champion global standards and process maps for PLC/HMI, SCADA, MES, and historians to enable consistent, secure, compliant operations.

  • Lead people & partners: Lead a global automation engineering team responsible for execution. Manage key vendors and partners relations.

  • Deliver projects: Own automation scope for capital and expense projects (design, vendor selection, budget, commissioning, and qualification). 

  • Improve delivery: Evolve the delivery model (pilot approach, PM practices/tools, training, change management, and post-go-live reviews).

  • Measure outcomes: Define success metrics and track results after deployment.

  • Build support: Maintain a global support model, including incident management and support arrangements.

  • Drive innovation: Evaluate and apply new technologies (e.g., AI/ML, digital twins, edge computing) to improve uptime, efficiency, and safety.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or equivalent (advanced degree preferred).

  • 10-15+ years in industrial automation and control systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES), ideally in regulated manufacturing.

  • Demonstrated success leading global programs and influencing across functions (including without direct authority).

  • Strong knowledge of ISA S88/S95, GMP validation, GAMP 5, and OT cybersecurity.

  • Strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

  • Proficiency with common automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and MES systems.

  • Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent statistical analysis methodology.

  • Process modeling using data driven or first principles methods.

  • Ability to connect architecture decisions to business value, growth, and innovation.

Why you'll love this role:

  • Own the global direction for manufacturing automation and help shape the Industry 4.0 journey.

  • Work at the intersection of IT and OT, turning strategy into shop-floor impact.

  • Lead a high-visibility portfolio with measurable outcomes (safety, quality, uptime, cost).

  • Build standards and capabilities that scale across sites and teams.

Benefits - How We'll Support You:

  • Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
  • Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
  • Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
  • Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
  • Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
  • Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
  • Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
  • Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/


Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.



Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.


Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

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Job Post Date: 08/10/26
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