Position Title: NA Agronomy & Sustainability Manager - Central Region

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Position Location: Plover

Requisition ID: 31679

Summary of Position

The Agronomy Manager - Central is responsible for developing our regional agronomic strategies to drive improvements in yield and quality for our growers. This position will lead a team of agronomists within the region aimed at improving potato production through targeted extension work, leveraging new sustainable agricultural practices and unlocking the full value on new varieties. Ideal candidates will have natural leadership talent with the ability to leverage deep potato production knowledge into proven results for their teams and our growers. This position is located in either Wisconsin or Manitoba and will report directly to the Sr. Manager of Agronomy. The Agronomy Manager, Central will lead a team of 2 Agronomists, and one Grant Lead.

Essential Responsibilities include the following (% Support):

Agronomy Strategy and Extension Management (50%)

Lead the local team of two (2) Agronomists in Wisconsin and Manitoba, ensuring they stay on target for research, crop intelligence and grower extension objectives for their region.
Develop and enact regional agronomy plans (agronomy, regenerative agriculture, storage and new variety) to improve and secure potato supply in assigned regions.
Drive grower engagement in developing regenerative agricultural practices in their operations aimed at improving long-term production stability and profitability.
Develop the program for local grower agronomic support and train Agronomists and interns with latest potato production knowledge leveraging internal and external resources.
Work with local regional Agronomists to develop Grower Improvement Plans (GIP) aimed at improving yield and quality through focused extension support. Maintain accountability of plans to targeted objectives.
Maintain local agronomy 3rd party relationships (industry and academic) ensuring McCain is at the forefront of the latest agronomic and technical solutions.
Champion safe operations and behaviors in work every day with McCain employees and with our growers.

Subject Matter Lead – Sustainability and Crop Protection (25%)

Become a primary subject matter expert of critical agronomic areas of expertise regarding sustainability and crop protection.
- Sustainability – Focusing on sustainability in crop production is key to us making changes with growers and meeting our 2030 goals. Lead the NA agronomy team via specialized knowledge related to measuring and assessing sustainability improvements and opportunities.
- Crop Protection – As the NA lead SME, responsible for keeping the team current on the latest technologies and products to sustainably provide crop protection and reduce inputs.
Utilize subject matter expertise to support the North American Agronomy team in the advancement of innovation in subject matter areas and assist with wider project support.
Support team development and training across the North American Agronomy team in your subject matter areas.
Develop and maintain 3rd party relationships important to your subject matter area (industry and academic) ensuring McCain is at the forefront of the latest agronomic and technical solutions. This could include speaking engagements, serving on relevant boards and attending conferences.
Become a trusted knowledge expert on Agronomic subjects for our growers and assist in extension related activities.

Applied Regenerative Agriculture Lead – (25%)

Lead McCain’s applied extension Regen Ag work to advance potato and onion production along McCain’s established frameworks.
Work with local North America teams to identify critical advancement barriers to Regen Ag in each region and develop strategies to overcome.
Act as the North America lead for the annual Regen Ag grower survey development and execution to assess grower progress against the framework.
Maintain ownership of Regen Ag Glidepath to track current and planned progress against 2030 Regen Ag acreage goals.
Provide management and leadership for Grant Lead, who will run point on our work to identify and emplace grant opportunities to offset financial barriers to meet McCain sustainability goals for our growers.

Professional Development

Engage in continuous learning opportunities to develop skills and knowledge of potato production.
Be an engaged and energetic team member supporting fellow Agriculture team members and company objectives.
Be the face of McCain Agriculture: Represent McCain Foods as a leader in the potato industry.

Qualifications

Strong practice experience in production agriculture
Emphasis on strong practical experience in full cycle potato preferred is critical including storage.
Strong analytical, interpersonal and computer skills needed.
Knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis and reporting of results is critical.
Must have a strong ability to connect and communicate with McCain’s grower partners.
A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science. Master’s degree in related agricultural sciences is strongly preferred.
Must have strong soft skills, capable of leading people and projects effectively.
Must be able to keep self and others on track with objectives; time management and prioritization are key skills.
This position is most suited to an individual who demonstrates strong leadership skills and has the desire and ability to contribute and grow within the McCain Foods North America organization.
A strong bias towards workplace safety both for McCain employees and our grower partners.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver’s license

Professional Agrologist Certification or ability to obtain (for Canada regional support)

CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) preferred

Obtain CMA (Certified McCain Agronomist) Certification within a year after hire

Qualifications

Minimum to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility in a satisfactory manner in the work environment conditions described below. The essential responsibilities listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required but do not represent all tasks or duties that may be asked of the position. Must be able to work in Canada.

#LI-MCCAIN24

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Privacy Policy

Job Family: Agriculture
Division: NA Ag Strategy
Department: Ag Sustainability
Location(s): US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Plover
US - United States of America : Michigan : Armada
US - United States of America : Michigan : Brownstown
US - United States of America : Michigan : Detroit
US - United States of America : Michigan : Highland Park
US - United States of America : Michigan : Imlay City
US - United States of America : Michigan : Livonia
US - United States of America : Michigan : Newark
US - United States of America : Michigan : Port Huron
US - United States of America : Michigan : Sterling Heights
US - United States of America : Michigan : Warren
US - United States of America : Minnesota : Minneapolis
US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Appleton
US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Fort Atkinson
US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Milwaukee
US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Rice Lake
US - United States of America : Wisconsin : Wisconsin Rapids

Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.

McCain Foods USA jobs

NA Agronomy & Sustainability Manager - Central Region (31679)