Operations Associate II

About the role

The Operations Associate II is responsible for executing daily operations and partnering with internal groups to design, run, and oversee North America Plant Breeding’s research and development efforts. This role involves developing new or improved products and hybrids through traditional and advanced plant breeding techniques, conducting greenhouse operations that support key objectives in Bayer’s R&D pipeline, and analyzing research data to generate clear, actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Be accountable for the safe and timely delivery of quality supplies based on production schedules while maintaining an efficient operation that supports site Key Metrics, including Safety, Quality, on-time and in-full delivery, and cost efficiency;
• Organize and execute research protocols and operational plans for the site’s day-to-day priorities, ensuring that plant breeding experiments and field biological tests are implemented with rigor and consistency;
• Support the implementation of innovative technology solutions and new tools and methodologies designed to improve research design, plant breeding operations, and overall R&D success;
• Operate research equipment, take notes, manage data using internal IT systems, comply with regulated seed stewardship standards, participate in safety inspections and training, and adhere to all policies and standard operating procedures;
• Organize and execute the site’s daily priorities either independently or as the leader of a small team, training team members and third-party employees on standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, compliance requirements, and tool operations;
• Influence across the organization by supporting hub-level projects and initiatives, planning, directing, and coordinating activities of others, and providing innovative solutions based on strong technical abilities and a solid internal network;
• Be accountable for business unit or project results through leadership and coordination across site strategy, prioritizing and monitoring projects to ensure completion within deadlines and budgets, and ensuring visibility and resolution of production pipeline challenges;
• Engage with site leadership to align on an optimal future state, report on measurable items such as milestones and deliverables, and contribute to community outreach activities that foster positive relations in the surrounding area;
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise and autonomy in task execution, showing proficiency across multiple machine platforms, tools, technologies, and workflows, and using initiative to take action in the absence of direction.

Requirements

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Agriculture, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Business, or Engineering; With a bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of work-related experience in agriculture, supply chain, or manufacturing;
• Strong digital acumen, including the ability to adopt new technologies, leverage data to drive decision-making, and work effectively with internal IT systems;
• Highly developed communication skills, with accurate, clear messaging at an appropriate level of detail, proactive sharing of challenges and potential solutions, and regular end-to-end communication with stakeholders and regional contacts regarding workflows, priorities, and methods;
• Strong interpersonal capabilities, including influencing, coaching, facilitating, conflict resolution, and relationship management, enabling effective collaboration across diverse teams and functions;
• Result-oriented mindset with the ability to make effective decisions after careful consideration of different options and their impact on individuals and groups;
• Demonstrated success in fostering a site culture dedicated to environmental SSHE, regulatory compliance, and quality performance, aligned with Bayer’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence.

Benefits

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $61,680.00 - $92,520.00, Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.