Seed Lab Supervisor

Job Summary

The Seed Lab Supervisor manages all aspects of physiology and physical purity seed testing and coordinates activities with the breeding, customer service, logistics, warehouse, and production departments at American Takii (ATI). They must possess an understanding of seed science and technology, possess and maintain RST certification, and train company employees in the requirements of seed testing and compliance of seed regulations. They will be responsible for monitoring performance and accounting for workload adjustments and working toward business goals and ensure safety within the seed lab. They must possess and demonstrate leadership skills, strategize quickly, and communicate effectively.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

·        Oversees the seed testing activities in partnership with the other departments by supporting Human Resources and the Seed Operations Manager in selecting, orienting, training, and scheduling of employees.

·        Responsible for planning and directing all aspects of seed testing within the seed lab.

·        Ensures all samples arriving within the seed lab are scheduled, tested and results posted according to established timelines.

·        Establishes metrics and/or KPI’s and monitors results and provides reports to the management team and employees. 

·        Proactively addresses backlogs and aligns workload and resources as needed. Requests for outsourcing tests when necessary.

·        Responsible for computer data entry transactions to support all activities within scope of position.

·        Maintains RST certification and ensures all applicable testing is conducted within ASOA Rules for Testing and/or the ISTA Rules to meet state, federal and international seed laws.

·        Establishes the criteria for retesting and executes retests when needed.

·        Establishes methodology to review and approve results before they become available for company employees to use for making inventory, sales, and seed labeling decisions.

·        Maintains accurate inventory of lab supplies and ensures timely procurement of all supplies that are required for seed testing.

·        Works with Seed Operations Manager to meet financial standards by providing annual budget information; monitoring expenditures; identifying variances; implementing corrective actions.

·        Works with the Seed Operations Manager on capital expenditure projects for equipment replacement or upgrades.

·        Allocates resources effectively and fully utilizes assets to produce optimal results.

·        Stay up to date with the latest production management best practices and concepts.

·        Maintain close collaboration with colleagues from other departments both locally and internationally.

·        Understands the business requirements to provide accurate and timely test results to support inventory and sales decisions.

·        Implements strategies in alignment with strategic initiatives and provide a clear sense of direction and focus to seed lab staff.

·        Contributes to strategic plans and reviews; implementing seed testing, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; identifying lab system improvements.

·        Responsible for seed testing facilities and maintenance management.

·        Maintains an environment of continuous improvement. Identifies and develops new techniques to improve lab efficiency and/or to provide more accurate and consistent test results without compromising compliance requirements.  

·        Performs other duties as required by management.

Skills, Qualifications and Education

Required Education and Experience

·        Masters or Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, or related fields.

·        Seed physiology and physical purity testing experience.

·        Registered Seed Technologist (RST) certification.

·        Data analysis and supply chain management a plus.

·        Leadership training includes decision making, corporate governance, change management, strategic leadership, and business analysis to name a few.

Required Skills: 

·        Proven managerial experience with at least 5 years in a progressive role.

·        Proven experience working in seed physiology and physical purity lab required.

·        Demonstrated success in creating creative and practical solutions to increase employee productivity and maximize profitability.

·        Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for seed testing and labeling.

·        Strong aptitude for root cause analysis and troubleshooting operational issues.

·        Adequate knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources)

·        Familiarity with seed testing standard equipment and technical expertise

·        Be knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity, demand creation, inventory, and stewardship processes.

·        Ability to create accountability and to lead by example.

·        Strong team building, decision-making and people management skills

·        Personal initiative, innovative thinking, and the ability to work in a team environment are essential for the successful candidate.

• Proven ability to solve challenging problems and work with minimal direction while adapting to changing priorities.

·        Fluent and literate in English, speak, read & write; Ability to speak and understand Spanish is highly desired.

·        Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple tasks.

·        Strong analytical skills and attention to detail and quality.

·        Ability to work on Saturdays and holidays as necessary.

·        Strong time management & prioritization skills.

• Express confidence and professionalism with all cross functional teams, internally and externally
• Strong organizational skills and able to work effectively under pressure and accurately complete tasks within given timelines.
• Ability to rapidly evaluate situations and successfully act as needed.
• Excellent communication skills through oral presentations and written reports.
• Proficient in the MS Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point as well as experience with ERP systems (ABS, SAP, etc.)

·        Eligible to work in the US, with the ability to travel locally and internationally.

• Be insurable with a valid driver’s license.

 Working Environment

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

·        Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, and periodically lift up to 25 pounds.

·        Ability to stand and/or sit in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time.

·        Work is performed in a standard office and laboratory environment, and may include visits to warehouses, greenhouses, farm, and vegetable processing environments, which may include cold, wet, hot, and humid conditions.

·        Ascertain that all safety rules and regulations are followed in a complete and appropriate manner.

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and other duties as assigned.

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status not listed here.