Seeds R&D Digital Product Manager

Location

Zwijnaarde

Working hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Permanent

Working area

R&D

Join the team

Within BASF Seed and Traits R&D, Trait Research conducts research projects in a prioritized portfolio to discover and validate genetic sources from plants and microbiomes, resulting in gene-based solutions for crops.

As part of Trait Research activities, trait validation (phase 1) refers to the engineering and characterization of the trait, through construct design, production and molecular characterization of engineered plants, followed by delivery of seeds with validated traits, through plant cultivation, phenotypic characterization of trait performance and seed production.

To support digital product development for our trait validation activities, we are seeking a Product Manager at our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium. This role will be accountable to define product vision and roadmap in line with business strategy, including continuous improvements meeting end user needs.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will consolidate business requirements and priorities for digitalization of Phase 1 trait validation pipeline processes, with main focus on the current Trait Operations product.
You will, together with the digital Product Owner co-lead the product team to drive the digital product roadmap and manage the product life-cycle (planning, deliverables, budget and resources).
You will interact closely with other product managers to ensure a cohesive product landscape to enable and enhance our business capabilities.
You will identify and coordinate (super) key users within the end user community (in and beyond Trait Research) for validating outcome of delivered products according to business requirements.
You will facilitate change management, promote user adoption, and measure product success in relation to business outcomes.
You will coordinate and plan the roll-out of trainings and supervise the building of training materials for end users.
You will be highly involved in digital solution design teams to provide expertise on possibilities within current digital landscape or to incorporate needs into product roadmaps.
You are a recognized role model in understanding and complying with company standards (QMS, Health, Safety, Biosafety, Stewardship, …).
You will act as a role model with respect to the BASF CORE values (Creative – Open- Responsible – Entrepreneurial) and culture.

Qualifications

You have a master’s degree in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or equivalent through experience.
You minimally have 5 years of experience as a Product Manager or in a similar role within the field of plant research activities, particularly within an agile environment. Experience in project management is highly regarded.
You excel at engaging internal and external stakeholders, effectively managing communication and change within a complex, matrix organization.
You possess excellent digital skills and have a strong passion for leveraging digital tools and data to drive innovation in R&D.
In your field of expertise, you are able to keep abreast of new developments, and convert these into innovation plans.
You have experience in coaching and lateral leadership.
Experience in usage of Atlassian tools such as JIRA, Confluence and M365 are considered a plus.
You are fluent in English.

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 where occasional working from home is possible.

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.