Cocoa Research and Site Manager

About the role

The Cocoa Research and Site Manager is a technical and people leader responsible for two main aspects of cocoa research: (1) R&D experiment and trial execution in the field and (2) deployment of research outputs into SE Asia farmers and suppliers. The Manager will have operational and scientific oversight of Cocoa R&D experiments and trials in the areas of Genetics and Breeding, Agronomy and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) conducted at MCRS Pangkep. The Manager owns the decision of field execution, quality of trials and deliverables through robust data collection, adherence to the research plan, Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and Q&FS standards. Beyond execution of plant science research in the field, the Manager performs as a technical leader with the SE Asia Commercial team in supplier development, Cocoa Academy training program and deployment model creation.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities and schedules of field technicians and contractors

• Lead, coordinate, execute and supervise collection and evaluation of data records of genetics and breeding, agronomy and IPM at the Pangkep site

• Provide data management, statistical support and analysis of collected data

• Execute design, planning and implementation of new R&D projects

• Coordinate engagement activities and meetings at Pangkep at the request of plant science technical leaders

• Contribute to a safe environment in the field, observing and practicing safety culture

• Hire and staff new members of the Pangkep R&D Operations team as needed

• Partner with Site Engineering team on installation and maintenance of Genetics and Breeding, Agronomy, and IPM equipment and trials

• Build annual operational and capital budgets and be accountable for delivering them effectively

• Proactively partner with SE Asia Cocoa Commercial team to determine roadmap from field research to farmer deployment

About you

• Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy or crop science with proven field experience, preferably with cacao, or equivalent

• Minimum 5+ years of farm/field operations and research experience with scientific data collection

• Technical depth in applied research and technical capability to collaborate with global plant science R&D scientists at peer level

• Experience with agronomy or plant breeding in field crops

• Demonstrated success in multi-disciplined project leadership and managing work through others without direct authority

• Strengths in written and verbal communication, hiring and staffing, operations management, analytical skills, strong customer focus and ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels

• Fluent English language skills in speaking and writing (mandatory)

• Fluent in Bahasa Indonesian

• Proficient computer skills including working knowledge of Outlook, Skype, Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Proficient ability to comprehend scientific documents and protocols