Regional Pathology Manager

JOB SUMMARY:The Regional Pathology Manager provides leadership and managerial supervision to the managers and scientists performing breeder support disease resistance screening, seed health testing, seed health risk management, as well as Operations and Production support such as disinfection treatment guidelines and disease prevention, control, and diagnosis. Also involved in corporate and industry initiatives in areas such as phytosanitary and importation problems, disease resistance and pathogen nomenclature standardization and seed health testing verification. The role will be responsible for managing pathology-related projects and efficient use of available resources to ensure on-time completion within budgeted costs.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Develops and implements the pathology strategy for Sakata Seed America. Develops and monitors budgets and capital projects for Seed Health and Pathology cost centers.
• Assists the Plant Pathology Manager, Supply Chain Field Pathology Manager, Pathologists, and support teams in developing priorities and implementing projects in their respective areas.
• Manages and evaluates the performance of business units immediately reporting to them (as mentioned above) and provides the necessary coordination between activities.
• Supports team with necessary and appropriate laboratory accreditation, documentation, and certification programs to meet or exceed industry seed health standards.
• Strives to discover and/or develop new technologies that will make breeding projects and seed health testing more efficient (MAS, RAPD, ELISA, etc.). Develops and maintains contacts with public and private researchers, as well as overseas Sakata colleagues, involved in developing new technologies for crops important to SAI.
• Defines phytosanitary initiatives or processes in WIC and in other Sakata America locations, as requested. Assists the Production Department in the diagnosis and prevention of pest problems in commercial seed production fields. Develops training for Production staff in the recognition and prevention of pest problems.
• Conduct research on current methods and trends for seed disinfection and work with Supply Chain Pathology Manager, Senior Physiology Manager, and Seed Enhancement Team for recommendations and implementation of new/revised methods.
• Provide support to the Production Department and Supply Chain Pathology Manager through visits to international production sites, as needed and as approved.
• Attends professional meetings to participate in industry supporting initiatives, monitor advancements in relevant sciences and further develop technical skills and expertise.
• Works closely with QA Director on establishing department goals and objectives for the pathology team in line with SAI goals.
• Completes internal and external reports as required by the QA Director.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Follows all SAH quality assurance policies and procedures as follows, but not limited to this list:

-Is aware of and personally follows all SAI policies and procedures.

-Keeps Director informed of developing issues and critical tasks not done.

-Ensures that all responsibilities are covered during planned absences.

-Stays informed and current on labor laws, safety laws, and pesticide laws.

-Encourages continual improvement within department.

-Ensures enforcement of policies and procedures.

-Acts within scope of authority and consistent with company objectives and policies.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• A minimum of 10 years of Pathology Program Management experience.
• Must possess leadership skills such as strategic thinking, team motivation and conflict resolution and managerial abilities such as budgeting and cost control.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of subordinates.
• Must possess laboratory, greenhouse, and field skills in plant pathology, with emphasis on applied disease resistance screening and evaluation protocols, and new pathogen detection and disease diagnosis employing microbiological and serological methods for bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, well-developed interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently, yet cooperatively, in a team effort. Strong analytical and reasoning abilities.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Strong character traits required including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, and honesty.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Must possess a PhD degree in plant pathology, plant science or related field of biological sciences or MS degree with managerial experience.

LICENSES/DEGREES/TRAINING:

• Must maintain a valid California State Driver’s License.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work with laboratory chemicals, pesticides, and other possible irritating substances.
• Must be willing to work overtime hours, including some weekends and holidays, as requested.
• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes in temperature and must be able to work in dusty conditions.
• Must be able to wear protective equipment when necessary and/or required (e.g., gloves, respirator, safety glasses, hearing protection)
• Must be able to drive for long periods of time.
• Must be able to travel occasionally throughout the year on company related business, including international travel.
• This is a full-time, onsite position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $135,000 – $142,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.