Head of Quality Testing - Africa

At Bayer were visionaries, driven to solve the worlds toughest challenges and striving for a world where Health for all, Hunger for none is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. Were doing it with energy, curiosity, and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities, and redefining impossible. There are so many reasons to join us. But if youre hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, theres only one choice.

Location: Any South East Africa Countries (South Africa / Kenya / Zambia etc)

Role purpose

// Provides leadership and direction to Africa Integrated testing center and enabling Testing
Centers teams for all laboratory activities associated with the sampling, testing and analysis of seeds, over Physiology and Genetic testing platforms, for the purpose of generating data used in product advancement, process or sale decisions,
targeting customer service and compliance.

Key responsibilities and tasks


// Manage, lead and set strategy for all aspects of seed quality physiological and genetic testing
for Bayer Crop Science at the Thobontle Integrated Testing Center as well as Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenyan Enabling testing centers, and all potential emerging testing centers in Africa.
// Manage and develop a Quality Testing team, ensuring organization skills alignment with actual and future needs, securing attraction and retention of talents. Role model LIFE (leadership, Integrity, Flexibility & Efficiency) values, and develop his team in adopting a growth mindset.
// Ensure compliance with officials and Bayer requirements in term of HSE and sustainability, as well as ISO, ISTA and country certification authorities, covering documentation, sampling and test requirements. Is responsible for African quality testing License to Operate.
// Ensure accuracy and timely delivery of results. Have in place relevant tools to visualize performance and processes to secure accuracy, repeatability, and defensibility of data. Constantly increase digital mindset and acumen in his team.
// Is accountable for reputation in his organization. Ensure connection with stakeholders: understand, listen, respond, anticipate and adapt. Have in place communication processes optimizing lab planning and customers listening and answering.
// Implement quality improvements, new methods, innovation and automation, as proposed by Seed Production Innovation and QT organization. Guarantee global testing continuity by alignment of his area with Global Quality Testing community.
// Inspire and promote continuous improvement mindset, sustaining Production System philosophy and tools. Prioritize business continuity and management of change.
// Administrate efficiently budget, LRP and capital plan for Lab activities

Work relations:


// EMEA Row Crops and Vegetable Quality Assurance
// EMEA Row Crops and Vegetable Manufacturing
// Global Quality Testing and SPI
// Africa Engineering (EMEX)
// EMEA Seed Technology and breeding
// EMEA Row Crops and Veg Planning
// Seed Regulatory and Legal
// External Regulatory Agencies SANSOR


Experience, Skills and Qualifications

// Masters or PhD in Life Sciences with 5-7 years experience in a biological, agricultural or related field along with demonstrated success in supervisory abilities.
// Possess managerial, leadership, coaching and inclusive skills as well as business acumen to effectively lead the activities and development of direct reports in a diverse and multicultural environment, and successfully interact with a broad range of internal and external functional groups at all levels of BCS organization.
// Flexible to frequent travels.
// Consistently demonstrates the ability to develop a high level of trust within team, business partners, leadership and stakeholder groups.
// Experience managing budgets in business/team with high financial impact.
// Practical and theoretical knowledge in Seed Analysis Process (ISTA rules). Knowledge in Seed Legislation, ISO9001 ISO17025, SAP Quality module and data visualization tools

Location: South East Africa Countries
Job Grade: VS2
Job Type: Permanent

Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.