Production Site Lead Malawi

About Bayer

At Bayer, we are dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing challenges, aiming for a future where "Health for all, Hunger for none" is a reality. We achieve this through our energy, curiosity, and unwavering commitment, valuing the unique perspectives of our colleagues to expand our thinking, enhance our capabilities, and redefine what's possible. If you're eager to build a diverse and impactful career within a community of bright, multifaceted minds, Bayer is your ideal choice.

Job Purpose

The Production Site Lead will direct the country's production operations team focused on advancing corn seed production for Malawi and the broader Southern Africa region. This role involves developing and implementing long-term strategic plans, structuring and coordinating seasonal tactical plans, and overseeing the execution of field and site operations. Key responsibilities include managing field production, harvesting, drying, seed processing, inventory, quality assurance, efficiency targets, and overall site operations to ensure the timely and effective delivery of commercial seed. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and talented cross-functional teams to deliver superior crop genetics globally.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The Site Lead is responsible for fulfilling the production mission in Malawi and collaborating with other functional leaders on enterprise performance. Key duties include:

• Develop and coordinate a medium to long-term production strategy aligned with the commercial long-range plan. This encompasses building a robust grower network, expanding plant capacity to meet volume demands, forging partnerships with regulatory bodies and vendors, and enhancing team capabilities in line with evolving business needs.


• Coordinate the establishment and development of a reliable grower network, including grower identification, contracting, capacity building, contract performance management, and the development of long-term business propositions for established growers to ensure a cost-effective and dependable supply of seed products.


• Champion the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Operations Management (OM), Quality, and Bayer Production System (BPS) culture.


• Plan and manage capital, maintenance, and operational budgets.


• Oversee the development and execution of annual crop plans with the field operations team, ensuring production schedules are met on time and within budget.


• Establish and implement effective inventory and logistics management plans for raw products, consumables, and finished goods to achieve key inventory metrics, including security, holding costs, and working capital optimization.


• Drive adherence to Bayer's Quality Management System (QMS) and legal record-keeping standards for all operational and site records, with a focus on continuous improvement.


• Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance Standards and Management Systems stipulated by ISO9001.


• Achieve established goals for Seed Supply Reliability, Quality, and Availability.


• Develop the capabilities of the Production organization in Malawi to ensure effective delivery of results, foster supportive team behaviors and culture, and promote skill development and career growth to meet current and future needs.


• Develop and implement an enterprise risk management strategy in collaboration with other cross-functional leaders to secure the license to operate and ensure business sustainability. This includes building partnerships with government stakeholders and strategic business partners to mitigate external business risks.


• Collaborate with country functional leads on general management matters to achieve cross-functional business objectives, including team engagement, risk management and compliance, financial efficiency, asset management, and external relations.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering, Production and Operations Management, or a related field. Strong agronomy knowledge and experience in maize production, or a master’s degree, is considered an advantage.


• A minimum of 12 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in leadership roles and at least 5 years in agricultural production or processing operations.


• Demonstrated strategic thinking and business acumen.


• Proven team leadership and project management capabilities.


• Ability to lead through influence and build strong cross-functional partnerships.


• Adept at problem-solving and providing creative, effective solutions.


• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; results-oriented and adaptable to dynamic business environments.


• Proficiency in written and oral communication (knowledge of Chichewa is a valuable asset).