Sakata Seed America, Inc.
Senior Manager of Research & Development
Sakata Seed America, Inc., Woodland, California, United States, 95776
Senior Manager of Research & Development
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Senior Manager of Research & Development
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Sakata Seed America, Inc. Overview
We are seeking a strategic and people-focused Senior Manager of Research and Development. This position will support the Director in managing the research department and leading operations at our Salinas Research station. This role is responsible for managing both the physical site and a diverse team of professionals, ensuring the station operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with our research goals. Other essential duties include directing research budget management, breeding guidance and review, and the facilitation of adequate breeding support. The ideal candidate will be a proven commercial horticultural breeder with a passion for agriculture, a commitment to team development, and the ability to drive operational excellence in a dynamic research environment. Base pay range
$150,000.00/yr - $175,000.00/yr Essential duties and responsibilities
Research Coordination: Ensure optimum performance of the Research function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase breeding efficiencies, cut costs, and maintain up-to-date Research and Breeding practices. Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting in alignment with research goals. Represent the station at conferences, community outreach events, and stakeholder meetings. Participate in breeding reviews; assess completed work, future projects, and budget and personnel allocations. Suggest solutions and consider input from others. Assist in charting the course of the company in response to internal and external developments in the industry. Review performance against operating plans and standards. Provide reports on interpretation of results and recommend changes in direction of plans. Coordinate and collaborate with other Sakata subsidiaries to facilitate germplasm sharing, pursue common breeding goals, and develop competitive products. Coordinate and collaborate with other internal departments in establishing and carrying out responsibilities. Review and recommend changes in major projects within the department’s functional areas. Review research support functions such as biotechnology and breeder support pathology and recommend changes in scope, funding, and direction. Site management
Oversee and optimize site logistics and daily operations of the Salinas research station, including administrative functions, farm operations, facility maintenance and related activities. Ensure compliance with agricultural safety standards, environmental regulations, and research protocols. Monitor and report on site productivity, sustainability practices, and operational efficiency. Define and recommend objectives for the Salinas station. Review and approve site budget, financial reports, cost control reports, cost estimates, human resources and facilities requirements for all related functions of the research facility. People leadership & team development
Lead, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team including breeders, technicians, field workers, and administrative staff. Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards to drive accountability and excellence. Conduct regular performance evaluations, set SMART goals, provide feedback, and create individualized development plans. Champion a positive, inclusive, and safety-conscious workplace culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Facilitate team-building, professional development opportunities, and succession planning. Effectively manage conflict, resolve personnel issues, and support employee well-being and engagement. Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Strong understanding of agricultural systems, plant breeding methods, field trial design, and research methodologies. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills. Strong analytical and reasoning abilities. Ability to establish credibility and be decisive. Demonstrated attention to detail. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate performance of subordinates, both local and remote. Results oriented with the ability to balance other business considerations. Educational requirements
Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or related field. PhD highly desirable. Experience and background
10+ years of experience in commercial horticultural plant breeding and team leadership. 5+ years of experience working in seed research and development. Demonstrated success in hiring, training, managing and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations. Leadership experience that includes a growth mindset, leading by example and a strong competitive drive. Experience with budgeting, compliance, and operational oversight. Working conditions
Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Must be able to work long and irregular hours. Must be able to travel up to 25-40% of the time throughout the year. On-site presence required frequently at Salinas station. Work may involve outdoor field conditions and seasonal variability. Compensation & benefits
Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 per year Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families Basic Life & AD&D Insurance 401k program with company match Profit Sharing program (via 401k) Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events Company provided EAP Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps Company vehicle Location: Sacramento, CA
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Join to apply for the
Senior Manager of Research & Development
role at
Sakata Seed America, Inc. Overview
We are seeking a strategic and people-focused Senior Manager of Research and Development. This position will support the Director in managing the research department and leading operations at our Salinas Research station. This role is responsible for managing both the physical site and a diverse team of professionals, ensuring the station operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with our research goals. Other essential duties include directing research budget management, breeding guidance and review, and the facilitation of adequate breeding support. The ideal candidate will be a proven commercial horticultural breeder with a passion for agriculture, a commitment to team development, and the ability to drive operational excellence in a dynamic research environment. Base pay range
$150,000.00/yr - $175,000.00/yr Essential duties and responsibilities
Research Coordination: Ensure optimum performance of the Research function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase breeding efficiencies, cut costs, and maintain up-to-date Research and Breeding practices. Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting in alignment with research goals. Represent the station at conferences, community outreach events, and stakeholder meetings. Participate in breeding reviews; assess completed work, future projects, and budget and personnel allocations. Suggest solutions and consider input from others. Assist in charting the course of the company in response to internal and external developments in the industry. Review performance against operating plans and standards. Provide reports on interpretation of results and recommend changes in direction of plans. Coordinate and collaborate with other Sakata subsidiaries to facilitate germplasm sharing, pursue common breeding goals, and develop competitive products. Coordinate and collaborate with other internal departments in establishing and carrying out responsibilities. Review and recommend changes in major projects within the department’s functional areas. Review research support functions such as biotechnology and breeder support pathology and recommend changes in scope, funding, and direction. Site management
Oversee and optimize site logistics and daily operations of the Salinas research station, including administrative functions, farm operations, facility maintenance and related activities. Ensure compliance with agricultural safety standards, environmental regulations, and research protocols. Monitor and report on site productivity, sustainability practices, and operational efficiency. Define and recommend objectives for the Salinas station. Review and approve site budget, financial reports, cost control reports, cost estimates, human resources and facilities requirements for all related functions of the research facility. People leadership & team development
Lead, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team including breeders, technicians, field workers, and administrative staff. Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards to drive accountability and excellence. Conduct regular performance evaluations, set SMART goals, provide feedback, and create individualized development plans. Champion a positive, inclusive, and safety-conscious workplace culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Facilitate team-building, professional development opportunities, and succession planning. Effectively manage conflict, resolve personnel issues, and support employee well-being and engagement. Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Strong understanding of agricultural systems, plant breeding methods, field trial design, and research methodologies. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills. Strong analytical and reasoning abilities. Ability to establish credibility and be decisive. Demonstrated attention to detail. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate performance of subordinates, both local and remote. Results oriented with the ability to balance other business considerations. Educational requirements
Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or related field. PhD highly desirable. Experience and background
10+ years of experience in commercial horticultural plant breeding and team leadership. 5+ years of experience working in seed research and development. Demonstrated success in hiring, training, managing and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations. Leadership experience that includes a growth mindset, leading by example and a strong competitive drive. Experience with budgeting, compliance, and operational oversight. Working conditions
Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Must be able to work long and irregular hours. Must be able to travel up to 25-40% of the time throughout the year. On-site presence required frequently at Salinas station. Work may involve outdoor field conditions and seasonal variability. Compensation & benefits
Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 per year Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families Basic Life & AD&D Insurance 401k program with company match Profit Sharing program (via 401k) Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events Company provided EAP Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps Company vehicle Location: Sacramento, CA
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