Product Development Specialist

SUMMARY:

An established manufacturer of specialised agrochemicals is seeking an experienced Technical Project Lead to contribute to the development of new and existing products within the designated portfolio through meticulous planning, implementation, and management of approved projects to deliver comprehensive trial results to form part of dossiers compliant to the requirements of Act 36 of 1947, within designated timelines to meet business targets as well as changing global market food safety trends.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a B.Sc. Degree in Agriculture or Natural Sciences; a post-graduate qualification is advantageous
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in agrochemical product development and/or regulatory department
• Must hold a CropLife Basic Crop Protection Certificate
• SACNASP accreditation is advantageous
• Must have working knowledge of GHS Labelling requirements
• Comprehensive understanding of product registration requirements and processes, with above-average knowledge of crops, crop protection (biological), crop nutrition, and the general crop protection environment
• Technical project management experience is required
• Must have an understanding of statistical methods and the management of trial data on the ARM platform
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with a high level of accuracy in planning projects and managing trial data
• Must be self-motivated and driven to find solutions in executing development projects within set budgets and timelines
• Creativity and flexibility are required in addressing challenges during project execution and contributing to data dossiers
• Must be able to work independently, under pressure, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and meticulous precision, particularly in written tasks
• Proven ability to prioritize, re-prioritize, and manage all development-related activities within set timelines
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel when required

• Planning, implementing, and managing the R & D trial program for designated crops and products of the portfolio in line with product strategies and project scopes, as agreed with the relevant local and global Product Managers.
• Co-ordinating, managing, and liaising with CROs for the timely execution of projects in accordance with timelines and budgets, ensuring accuracy of implementation and data generation, as well as concurrent report generation and reporting.
• Analyzing trial results (via ARM) and drafting summaries to demonstrate trial objectives and proposing amendments for further development work, to ensure that project objectives are being achieved. On completion of projects, contributing to highly accurate, comprehensive yet concise registration dossiers to demonstrate that efficacy, selectivity, and residue data are complying with regulations and meeting claims in support of intended commercial use.
• Participating in local, regional, and global portfolio meetings by providing accurate updates on technical trial results and sharing technical expertise to ensure that product development is remaining relevant to market needs, while ensuring product positioning is optimal within the portfolio and in the context of global trends.
• Maintaining accurate updates to project management, budget tracking, and regulatory tracking platforms to maintain data integrity and transparency.
• Liaising with and participating in industry body organization committees, forums, and/or meetings to gain information and contacts on industry trends and knowledge transfer that may have strategic importance to the role and the company.
• Regularly visiting trial sites to ensure trial progress is going according to plan and set timelines.