Description

Serving as a key leader on the Corteva Biotechnology Leadership Team, this role is responsible for defining, aligning with the business, and leading the Biotech portfolio strategy in the Insect Control areas, across crops. The role will lead the discovery assessment team leaders and program manager(s) in the insect control space generating value creating biotechnology enabled solutions. They will be the organizational key contact and focal point for discovery stage biotechnology enabled insect control strategy and projects.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Do:

• Leadership:
  • Influence, advocate, and align with business stakeholders—internal and external.
  • Lead discovery assessment team (DAT) leaders for all existing & new product concepts in domain area (stage 0-2)
• Communication—strategy, technical updates, and execution presentations to key stakeholders including executive level leadership Define & Align specific product concept definition, targets, milestones and goals
• Track and communicate project milestone progress, issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Propose Stage & Gate advancement of concepts through Seed Portfolio Leadership
• Engage in external negotiations/project teams to source and develop technology
• Partner to scout new concepts or technology relevant to the portfolio scope
• Propose, align and onboard new projects within domain
• Understand, track, and develop the competitive landscape assessment and IP Strategy for domain
• Lead the strategy for communication, publication, and IP for projects in the domain
• Develop strategic investment plans for all projects; ensure signal communicated and aligned
• Align work plan, resources, and team membership across BT and relevant other functions

Qualifications

Education & Experience: Ph.D. or M.S. in biotechnology, entomology, plant science with >10 years’ experience. Industry or public sector experience and expertise in commercial seed biotech trait development, specifically in insect control discovery/development.

Successful track record of leading cross functional project or program teams, spanning R&D and business. Business acumen/business case development.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Technologically Savvy: Deep knowledge of insect control biological mechanisms (conventional and novel), entomology, biotechnology, biochemistry, and their application to products. Innovation mindset. Creatively applies knowledge around technology and approach to envision and lead successful insect control concepts (integrated solutions, transgenic, gene edited, or native traits).

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with diverse groups of people. Ability to present compelling updates, plans and proposals to multiple levels of leaders; presenting information in an easy to understand and consumable manner.

Results Driven: Self-motivated and ability to initiate projects, improvements, decisions, and problem solving. Detail-oriented, strong time management and organizational skills.

Project, program, portfolio management skills: Initiate, plan, execute, control and close projects. The discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of a specific project.

Strategic thinking: Focus on the analysis of critical factors and variables that will influence the long-term success of the business

Collaboration: Creates a culture of belonging, seeks win-win solutions, easily works across functions and teams to advance project goals and milestones.

Safety Oriented: Commitment to excellent safety and risk management practices

Lead by influence: Impact the opinions, attitudes, choices, and behaviors of your stakeholders by influencing them in a positive way so they respect and trust you to guide them towards the desired results. Demonstrated leadership skills of empowering, developing and serving the people who work for you.

Physical Requirements:

• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including travel (primarily domestic, some international)
• Driver’s License, acceptable driving record

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 Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

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.