Brief description of job duties - function:

Technical Development Specialists (TDS) help to maintain and enhance the profile of BASF as a major supplier to Ag market in Canada. TDS are responsible for transfer of technical information from Field Biology to Sales, Marketing and our Customers to optimize the sales and marketing of brands. Technical Development Specialists provide technical product support to the Business Representatives during the CCI process. Technical Development Specialists are responsible for summer demand creation activities to support major brands. In addition, TDS play a lead role on Crop Teams and Molecule Teams that participate in long term business planning. Technical Development Specialists maintain a network with industry influencers to increase the business opportunity for individual brands. 

Education requirements:

B.Sc. / M.Sc.(preferred) in Agriculture/Biology with emphasis on crop science, environmental biology and/or chemistry or equivalent experience. Specialization in Crop Physiology, Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Pathology, or Entomology preferred.

Skills and/or special requirements and qualifications:

Agronomic Knowledge Business/Financial Acumen – Makes decisions by considering business factors, financial impacts and company culture. Uses a business case to sell ideas and persuade people in the organization. Customer Focus – Must be able to relate with a broad range of personality styles. Be able to relate with the key influencer contacts on the issues that face the market and develop joint strategies or processes with customers. Leading Employees to Success/Teamwork – Shares knowledge and expertise with others.

Actively participate on teams to solve problems or achieve team goals. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership to a wide variety of people and groups not reporting directly to the position. The Senior Technical Development Specialist participates on the multi-discipline CCI Committee and is responsible for drafting policy related to product performance, herbicide carryover and crop injury. Coaching opportunities are identified and support is provided without removing responsibility. This includes training responsibilities, particularly technical issues related to crop protection product performance and herbicide carryover.

Guidance on key influencer management, CCI investigation, special project assignments and general industry trends is also provided. In the position you must be able to manage conflict and come to resolution which best suits BASF as well as the customer. Strong organizational and time management skills are also essential. Influencing and Impacting – Must be skilled at development and delivery of presentations to both external and internal customers. Questions whether existing practices, procedures and processes are appropriate and suggests improvement. Key influencer relationships are well developed such that partnerships on research projects, training curriculum development and implementation are fostered.

Be competent in the use of presentation tools, spread sheets, internet communications. Entrepreneurial Action – Ability to identify opportunities or problems and proactively formulate and implement action plans. Makes timely decisions about complex issues that will improve efficiencies, business or functional effectiveness.

Minimum experience required:

Minimum 5 years relative field experience, with a strong understanding of crop development and the use of pesticide products to enhance production is essential.

What position does the incumbent report to:

Technical Development Manager