The position manages the Company's portfolio of its patented and/or licensed berry varieties, overseeing all trial sites and trial data as well as improving the quality of the orchards by advising best agronomic practice and monitoring the implementation thereof. OZ Varieties was established in 2013 as a subsidiary of United Exports and is responsible for licensing the plant-based IP globally. The company has its roots and DNA in stone fruit. While the stone fruit business continued to grow, the company discovered the commercial viability of several blueberry varieties. The company commenced with large scale planting and has since pivoted into a fully integrated agricultural company. These low chill (evergreen) varieties are significantly higher grade to anything else in the market. Combined with our farming partnerships and purpose-built packing facility designed to efficiently pack fresh blueberries to the highest standard, we have formidable capabilities around the supply and delivery of fresh produce all year round. As part of the United Exports Group, OZ Varieties has a great opportunity for an experienced R&D and Agronomy Projects Manager in the blueberry section. The successful applicant will be someone who has extensive experience and understanding of the OZblu varieties, the optimal agronomical practices to ensure the varieties' maximum yield and quality, extensive blueberry R&D experience and a solid understanding of nursery management and plant breeder rights. Key Performance Outputs
Ongoing testing and research of owned patented licensed varieties of blueberries in terms of trial sites to aid varietal development, selection and innovation. Contribute to the breeding and selecting of correct OZblu varieties, keeping in mind growing conditions, best farming practices and retailer needs. Data collection and variety development for all regions in terms of trials to aid varietal selection and sufficient production support. Set up and management of integrated R&D trial blocks in Western Australis and templatise models into international markets. Manage Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) status of new varieties in new regions. Support new and current global projects by contributing to planning budgets, creating proposals, providing guidance and overall reporting. Oversee the operations of all trial sites by guiding and supporting the R&D team in the research & development initiatives across multiple commodities and sites; Fulfill a full agronomic support role to the Australian farms in terms of improving agronomy practices, yield improvements and achieving maximum return for each variety. Support nursery operations on United Exports-owned nurseries in South Africa and Australia.
Requirements Qualification/Experience
Relevant tertiary degree in agriculture and/or horticulture advantageous or 5 years' relevant experience
Functional/Technical
Extensive knowledge of OZblu varieties (essential) At least 5 years' experience of low-chill blueberry horticultural practices (essential) Understanding of and experience in low-chill blueberry production on a large scale (essential) 3-5 years' experience in low-chill blueberry R&D initiatives (essential) Nursery Management Experience (advantageous) Understanding of plant breeder rights and the movement of plant material across international borders (essential) Relationship management Good financial management Proficiency on NetSuite ERP system advantageous
Leadership/Behavioural
Detail and results orientated Grit and a sense of humour Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent planning and organisational skills Strong people-management, relationship building and interpersonal relations skills Good communication skills: verbal and written
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