1. CONTEXT OF THE ROLE
The Product Development Manager (PDM) job falls within the framework of the company development strategy defined by the Sales Department, in accordance with the general policy of the company.

2. PURPOSE
For the zone(s) of Brazil the job involves:
• Coordinating the launch of new varieties,
• Managing the range of products and supporting sales actions,
• Monitoring the market,
• Challenging forecasts for new varieties.

3. GENERAL MISSION
Ideal candidate will be responsible for evaluating products and also manage the commercial launch.

1.      SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

v  GENERAL ACTIVITIES

•       Allocate the availability of seed samples of each variety for the development trials within its area & segment. To monitor and control the shipment of samples while ensuring compliance with the stipulated time frames.

•       Schedule, coordinate and implement development trials DV1 and DV2 (sometimes T3 with marketing) in its area & segment with the following objectives:

‐          to judge the agronomic performance and the adaptability of a variety in comparison to leading varieties within the market,

‐          to evaluate the adaptability of the variety with respect to the target distribution and consumption chains,

‐          to start the identification of the competitive advantages, the selling points and the hurdles to overcome.

•       Provide continuous feedback to Product Managers with information and details including the sharing of experiences related to the varieties in the process of being tested (experimental stage) and referring to a specific market. To prepare and propose the development plan for the subsequent years, reporting on the additional needs for the line as well as on any possible market developments.

•       Establish the forecast (in terms of volume, quality, and timelines), for the first year of sales, of the new varieties that are in DV1 and DV2 phase. Additionally establish an action plan for least for key products.

•       Carry out and update market research studies (segmentation, analysis of the competition, tracking and identification of the dynamic forces that drive change). Continuously improve the knowledge of the market by type of client with the objective of contributing to the development of business plans and strategic plans.

•       Organize the promotional events developed and conducted for the benefit of both direct and indirect clients. To organize market visits for clients.

•       Establish, monitor, implement and roll out of the annual external communication plan and its budget in cooperation with external communication department in La Ménitré, France.

•       According to the positioning given by the marketing, develop the selling points at the local level.

v  CONTRIBUTORY ACTIVITIES

•       Contribute to the "chain projects" for specific products.

1.       MANAGERIAL HIERARCHY AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONS

v  IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR / AUTONOMY

PDM will report to the Business Manager, who will provide support in the event of difficulties and during special events.  PDM will have autonomy to perform specific duties with the support of the Business manager along with flexibility on projects as delegated by the management.

v  LINE MANAGER

Product Development Manager will manage and lead the staff of Local Product Promoters.

v  INTERFACE / OPERATIONAL CONTACTS

PDM will work in close collaboration with:

•       Product managers and the marketing department of the Business Unit,

•       Crop specialists  

•       Sales

•       The Development director.

•       External customers, official and technical bodies and all service providers

2.       ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR EXPECTED RESULTS

v  QUANTITATIVE

These are set during the annual interview in line with the KPIs used by the sales management regarding growth.

v  QUALITATIVE

These are set during the annual interview in line with the KPIs used by the sales management regarding growth.

v  CONTROL FREQUENCY AND RESOURCES

At least once a year, during the annual interview, and periodically according to the reporting/ monitoring dashboard used by the sales department.

3.       SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROLE

v  KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

•       Listening to customers,

•       Technical knowledge of the field and the plant seed business,

•       Knowledge of the market and the customers,

•       Regulations (registration, protection) and legislation,

•       Knowledge of the IT tools and applications used in the business,

•       Languages: English is essential.

v  PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES

•       Organization, planning, priority management and coordination,

•       Analysis and synthesis,

•       Leadership, team spirit, management and delegation skills,

•       Entrepreneurial and commercial spirit,

•       Professional autonomy and mobility,

•       Thoroughness and reliability,

•       Pro-activeness.