associate manager - zes OperationsInternational Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Job Purpose
Proactively work with the Breeding Operations Manager in the planning, delivery, and optimizing of services, upgrading of methods, knowledge, and technologies, and in the delivery of impact and research excellence. Under the general direction of the Breeding Operations Manager, establish and sustain partnerships with the stakeholders. Prepares reports for submission to supervisor and or stakeholders. Manage and optimize the use of financial resources and identify developmental initiatives for ZES to optimize productivity and achievement of goals. Provides leadership in research support through managing the overall functions of Zeigler Experimental Station. Manage allocated budget by generating FCR forecasts and budgeting for assigned services. Coach/mentor and manage the performance of team members including the organization of trainings. Provide scientists the quality and up-to-date services at competitive pricing. Engage with CG and NARES partners to share best practices in farm operations and mechanization.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
Contribute to the Leadership Team of the Breeding Operations Unit (BOU) to ensure this is a high-performing team with excellence and trust as core values
Participate in the development and evolution of BOU and IRRI initiatives to enhance service performance, efficiency, and value.
Manage daily delivery of field services, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure for ZES operations, ensuring strength and efficiency.
Lead the Zeigler Experiment Station's daily operations, implementing new business strategies identifying ways to enhance its services, and supervise the implementation of strategic changes
Ensure sustainable operations that focus on high-quality service, efficiency improvement, customer satisfaction, and proper budget and manpower management
Implement full cost recovery initiatives on the research station and maximize the usage of new technologies to enable innovation, communication and greater efficiencies by coordinating with Finance
Implement appropriate risk management strategies including workplace health and safety and ensure site operations comply with all corporate governance and regulatory frameworks
Manage the utilization of third-party service providers in the delivery of services in research and facility management and maintenance.
Provide leadership and directions for the implementation and management of agronomic research operations at other IRRI-managed research hubs, such as Varanasi and Burundi
Oversee the ZES budget, including allocation, approval, financial status, forecasting future demands, and ensuring funds are available for smooth service delivery.
Oversee QMS implementation procedures and controls through risk management, effective documentation, upgrade methods, and quality maintenance of methods, equipment and facilities
Enhance operational efficiency programs within BOU, thereby reducing costs, enhancing service quality and value, and enhancing OHS&E standards.
Review existing processes, policies and guidelines to ensure efficient performance of the unit
Collaborate with the Breeding Operations Manager to ensure efficient service delivery and function of BOU, while also collaborating with research groups for service development and technology acquisition.
Coordinate with IRRI research hubs and BOM to ensure clear communication, data transfer, and standardization of operations across the IRRI network.
Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders for program, product development, funding, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, and IRRI's best interests.
Manage staff requirements, activities and work allocation and foster constructive working relationships with all BOU staff to ensure a harmonious workplace environment
Coaching and mentoring of staff, evaluating performance, providing training and education opportunities and building an effective and efficient team
Prepare reports for submission to BOM and/or stakeholders (FCR reports)
Provide performance feedback of ZES staff to BOM and develop initiatives to optimize productivity and achievement of goals
Efficient provision of world-class research facilities, including screen house and greenhouse facilities, phytotron, research fields and supporting utilities, operations and services
Oversee the management of the facility services which includes landscape and waste management at the staff housing and research center
Lead, develop and implement policies for daily operations in the field, greenhouse and phytotron facilities ensuring compliance with modern, international standards and other legal requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields with 5 years of relevant work experience
Master's in Business Administration, Management Agricultural Engineering with 4 years of relevant work experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
Has experience in supervising a team
Has worked in a Project Management environment
Has proven experience forging partnerships
Is client-oriented
Has strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Has excellent organizational and operations planning skills
Has skills in post-harvest grain handling
Preferred
Has experience working for an international organization
Has skills in mechanization
Has experience in rice field operations
IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.
Join our team and be part of our story!
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
International Rice Research Institute

Philippines
Permanent
Full-time