DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Development Specialist will be responsible for combining their knowledge of scientific, legal, regulatory and business issues to ensure Verdesian products that are developed, manufactured, registered and distributed within Europe and Africa meet the required legislation and the data generated fully supports the product claims. The incumbent will manage and facilitate internal and external trials plus liaise with internal team members such as sales, marketing, regulatory, legal, operations, and product development to ensure full delivery and execution of business planning activities. Key to successful granting of regulatory licenses for Verdesian products will be building and maintaining external relations with reliable field trial operators and consultants.They must plan and execute a persuasive approach that will drive adoption of the product development and regulatory plans collaboratively within Verdesian and its appointed channel partners. The incumbent will report directly to the Managing Director and will be a member of the European Management Team. From time to time there will be a need to travel to and manage certain technical requirements within the Asia region, therefore understanding of tropical crops typically grown in this region will be an advantage.Candidate must be located in Spain or willing to relocate self to Spain. No relocation assistance. Essential Responsibilities:Responsibility for generating, interpreting and communicating internal and external research and trials data in support of registration submissions and products claims throughout Europe and Africa.Overviewing the supporting detail as necessary for regulatory submissions, variations and renewals to strict deadlines.Planning and developing all product trials both regulatory and commercial and ensuring agreed trial protocols are adhered to and results are collated, analyzed, summarized and communicated.Developing and managing a database for storage and retrieval of trial, regulatory and technical information.Contributes to the production of labels , technical and safety data sheets.Interrogating and accessing the document control database for labels, technical and safety data sheets.Developing and maintaining a project management system to ensure timelines and actions are completed in full and on time.Liaising with Verdesian US product development to ensure compliance to global strategy.Providing strategic advice to Verdesian Europe and US management throughout the development of a new product.Forecasting and management of annual development and trial budgets and tracking of expense base on a monthly basisEnsuring relevant and compliant control of sample stocks for regulatory or commercial trials.Developing and maintaining a strong working knowledge of company products and technologies to ensure proper alignment and positioning with channel partners.Expanding the company’s brand image by supporting product training meetings when required. Criteria:Strong understanding and awareness of latest requirements in plant nutritionAbility to understand complex technical requirements and translate through to setting of effective trial protocols and closely manage 3rd party trial operatorsStrong track record of being a team player.Strong interpersonal and customer relation skills.Strong negotiation and analytical skills.Proven ability to identify customer needs and perceptions.Independent thinker and ability to motivate others to improve.Excellent communication skills.Technology and computer savvy - high level of proficiency.Strong influencing skills and ability to work well with others to achieve objectives.Language Skills: This position requires a self-starting, analytical, detailed and organized individual with a considerable degree of good judgment, excellent written and oral communication, self-confidence and the ability to conduct activities without supervision.Reasoning Ability: The ability to effectively communicate problems and solutions to team members both orally and in writing, and maintain interpersonal relationships is essential. Must possess ability to multi-task several projects with various deadlines, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment.Achieving Results: Self-disciplined, detailed and organized. Identifies and resolves problem in a timely manner. Prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently.Adaptability & Change Management: Effectively deals with and handles change and uncertainty. Adapts easily and quickly to a changing environment without losing effectiveness.Personal Development: Listens well and is aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and takes continuous action to improve personal capabilities.Qualifications: MUST HAVE: Minimum work experience of 5 years in management in the Ag Sector.Experienced in both fertiliser and plant protection sectorsEducation to degree level in plant nutrition or plant protection or crop production