Operations Coach - Tanzania

About the Role

Bayer is dedicated to addressing the world's most challenging issues with determination, innovation, and diverse perspectives. Our vision of 'Health for all, Hunger for none' drives us forward as we seek individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Role Overview

The Operations Coach (OC) is an individual contributor providing technical leadership within a self-directed team, responsible for managing operations of the field-testing breeding network in Tanzania. The OC establishes clear operational processes to ensure accurate, timely, and precise data collection about product performance under various environments and conditions. As a coach, this position provides skill-enhancing opportunities, enabling the team to generate value for customers and stakeholders. Reporting to the Africa Lead, the OC is part of the AR&I team.

Key Objectives

• Provide strategic technical leadership by planning and prioritizing field-testing operations aligned with regional portfolio goals and AR&I strategies.
• Coach and empower local AR&I team members to enhance collaboration, operate in 90-day cycles, and adopt best practices through ongoing guidance and training.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders such as Product Design and Development teams, Customer Facing Units, and farmer co-operators to ensure aligned objectives.
• Oversee resource allocation including budget management, capital forecasting, and project administration.
• Offer guidance on project budget planning and financial controls.
• Build cross-regional partnerships that promote technology adoption and advance AR&I results.

Scope

• Main accountability for managing Tanzania Field Testing Network operations.
• Collaborate with local Customer Facing Units and support functions to align on country missions and results.

Major Responsibilities

• Train and develop both permanent and temporary staff members.
• Ensure implementation and adherence to SSHE procedures promoting safety in testing operations.
• Optimize selection of testing sites and manage trial activities to evaluate product performance effectively.
• Coordinate all aspects of maize trial cycles including planting, plot maintenance, data collection, and harvesting per Breeding objectives.
• Ensure data quality through rigorous checking and meet team data quality targets using organizational reporting and visualization tools.
• Regularly extract, analyze, and interpret phenotyping and operational data to identify improvement areas and support strategic initiatives.
• Participate actively in key AR&I projects.
• Manage capital investments and maintain positive local community relations.
• Stay updated on technical advances to enhance research trial efficiency and quality by liaising with equipment and supply providers.
• Develop standards for operation, maintenance, and calibration of research equipment alongside equipment specialists.
• Supervise compliance with regulatory and corporate policies during field activities to secure Freedom to Operate (FTO).
• Promote a culture emphasizing safety, quality, and compliance by leading through example.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agronomy, Breeding, or related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of experience working in a field-testing environment.
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, protection, farming practices, and equipment management.
• Familiarity with statistical software and principles of experimental design.
• Excellent abilities in data management, acquisition, organization, analysis, and presentation.
• Adaptable and flexible working style suited for an agile environment.
• Proficient communication skills in English along with influencing capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Additional Information

• Application Period: August 4 to August 18, 2026.
• Reference Code: 878809.
• Division: Crop Science.
• Location: Tanzania.
• Functional Area: Biological R&D.
• Position Grade: VS 1.1.
• Employment Type: Regular (Full-time).
• Working Hours: Standard.
• We are committed to inclusivity and provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
• Bayer Life Science Tanzania Ltd., Themi Industrial Area, Plot No.14, P.O BOX 2039, Arusha, Tanzania.
• Email for recruitment: ssa.recruitment@bayer.com.
• Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of race, origin, gender, age, disability, religion, or other characteristics.