North America Row Crop Production Agronomy Lead

North America Row Crop Production Agronomy Lead

As the visionary leader of a dedicated team of agronomists and technical experts, you will focus on optimizing agronomic practices for North American Row Crop Production, including Cotton, Corn, Canola, Soybean, and other specialty row crops. You will catalyze work teams across multiple functions and disciplines to ensure operational excellence and business transformation results are met or exceeded. Your role involves coaching to ensure high‑quality seed output through science‑based agronomy, research & experimentation, and knowledge transfer in alignment with seed production outcomes.

You will architect the North American Seed Production Field Innovation Strategy in partnership with NA Product Supply, NA Commercial, NA R&D, and various global and academic institutions. Additionally, you will drive innovation in crop management, field & environmental safety, sustainability, and digital agriculture in alignment with overarching Bayer Crop Science Business strategies.

• Recruit, coach, and develop agronomic professionals to support seed production operations;
• Promote a culture of safety, stewardship, and continuous improvement;
• Provide mentorship and career growth opportunities for team members;
• Ensure technical skills of field teams meet baseline expectations and continue to develop through intentional science‑backed knowledge transfer;
• Grow and develop self in areas of VACC and servant leadership;
• Catalyze and architect agronomic programs that optimize seed yield, quality, and genetic integrity across corn, soy, cotton, canola, and specialty crops;
• Drive annual plan of field trials, soil health initiatives, and crop management protocols aligned with the crop strategic business plan;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and stewardship standards;
• Measure and monitor the success of these programs on 90‑day cycles;
• Set vision for agronomic programs within NA Seed Production in partnership with Production Field Operations Team, R&D, and Product Supply teams;
• Integrate agronomic insights into operational plans in partnership with Regional Field Operations Lead;
• Partner E2E with Breeding, Seed Production Innovation, Commercial, and Product Supply to ensure a thriving delivery pipeline;
• Serve as a technical resource for production managers and external partners;
• Leverage digital agriculture tools and data analytics to improve decision‑making and efficiency;
• Drive adoption of sustainable and regenerative practices in seed production systems;
• Support development, launch, and adoption of novel tools that positively impact FTO, sustainability, product quality, cost to produce, delivering reliability, and employee satisfaction;
• Maintain required investment to keep these tools and processes relevant to emerging trends in the industry;
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines for agronomic programs;
• Track KPIs related to seed quality, yield, and operational performance, and report progress to leadership;
• Establish processes and management systems.

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or biological sciences;
• Valid driver’s license (to be eligible to drive a company car, your driving record must meet guidelines based on the company’s risk screening for hiring drivers – Motor Vehicle Record will be reviewed as part of pre‑employment screening);
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons or when business needs require it.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or biological sciences with 20 years of applicable experience; OR
• Master’s degree in agriculture or biological sciences with 15 years of experience; OR
• Ph.D. in agriculture or biological sciences with 10 years of experience;
• 7+ years of experience influencing and developing teams;
• Leadership experience in row crop agriculture;
• Skilled at leading, managing conflict, and negotiating with cross‑functional teams;
• Demonstration of courage, candor, and initiative in past assignments;
• Ability to empower and hold others accountable;
• Demonstrated visionary with ability…