Data Strategy Implementation Manager

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Digitalization stands as one of the strategic pillars of BASF, driving our commitment to innovation and efficiency. Our Innovation Pipeline increasingly relies on high-quality data to facilitate timely selection decisions, thereby accelerating the launch of novel agricultural products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. To achieve this, we must harness advanced data science techniques, including artificial intelligence, supported by robust, FAIR data foundations. Strategic data targets are established in collaboration with R&D process owners, the Digital Strategy team, and Data Governance to ensure a cohesive approach.

The Data Strategy Implementation Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing the execution of these data strategic targets within the Field Crop Seeds & Traits R&D department. This position will work in alignment with other R&D departments within BASF Agricultural Solutions, providing essential leadership to ensure that data objectives are consistent with established data governance policies. When gaps are identified, the manager will pinpoint the necessary skills and resources required to address these discrepancies and will assist in securing resources from relevant governance bodies in R&D, data, and digital. The position will be based in Ghent, Belgium.

Responsibilities

As a member of the Seeds & Traits Digital team, you will lead the establishment of data targets essential for developing R&D capabilities and supporting the definition of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). This involves collaboration with R&D programs to define the specific capabilities to be developed, the Digital Strategy team to address the digital aspects of these R&D capabilities, and Data Governance to provide the necessary policies and guidance.
In your role within the S&T Digital team, you will ensure that the defined data targets are incorporated into project scopes. You will work on enhancing these data and digital products while continuously monitoring the projects during the implementation phase to ensure alignment with the established targets.
You will consistently oversee the daily operations of R&D functions, as well as the management of data and digital products, ensuring that the defined data targets are maintained in accordance with data governance policies. You will also make recommendations for necessary corrections as needed.
Furthermore, you will facilitate stakeholder involvement in identifying the required skills and resources to meet the data targets, engaging with data producers, data consumers, and data engineers. You will support the process of securing these resources with the relevant governance bodies across R&D, HR, data, and digital.

Qualifications

A master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in the field of Natural Sciences, including a minimum of 4 years in functional leadership roles.
A proven track record of successfully leading projects or teams for at least 4 years.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans aimed at achieving significant business outcomes, ideally those that are closely linked to Data Management, Data Quality, and Data Science.
Proven experience in leading change management initiatives.
Preferably, familiarity with FAIR data principles (or similar concepts) and experience in digitalization efforts.
Experience in implementing policies and procedures effectively.
Leadership experience in initiatives aimed at enhancing agility and operational excellence, utilizing methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean, Agile, etc.
Practical experience in integrating data across domains relevant to Seeds & Traits R&D.

Benefits

A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities.
An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus, and extra-legal benefits.
A good work-life balance.

Come join us in bringing the lab to the field

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2023, our division generated sales of €10.1 billion.

For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

Application process

1. Application

You found the job you like on our website. Time to hit that ‘apply’-button and let us know who you are through the application form.

2. First encounter

We are intrigued by your application and call you immediately. At this point you can expect questions like: What motivates you? And what are your skills?

3. Interview

The call went great! So here you are, ready for your interview with HR and a hiring manager. We want to know more of your story and of course, you can ask about our story as well.

4. Contract

Welcome to our team. When can you start? So we can everything ready for your first day. You know, computer, paperwork, cake, balloons …

5. Onboarding

We welcome you with open arms and get you up and running. Including our eye-opening bootscamp, from the lab to the field.