Plant Performance Lead, VP

Reporting to the CEO, you will build and lead a team of scientists and engineers to construct, test and validate crop model for growing crops of interest under controlled environment conditions. Such models will allow our vertical farming partners to optimize the performance of our genetic offerings and maximize the profitability of these customers. You and your team will also be responsible for the operation of our advanced climate chambers and nursery greenhouse facilities.

You will serve on Unfold’s senior management team that is responsible for (1) formulating and executing on major strategic initiatives; (2) creating business models that deliver robust revenue and earnings and (3) building a well-designed, efficient and smoothly operating organization and infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish infrastructure, engineering, internal operational processes and policies for operation of greenhouse and climate chambers
• Effectively operate crop production, screening and selection in greenhouses and climate chambers
• Leverage data and analytics to create robust crop models
• Identify areas for improvement with regards to efficiency and implement new processes as required
• Reinforce a culture of high performance by creating systems of accountability to ensure Unfold Bio drives innovation at all levels of the organization
• Develop and manage departmental budget
• Help to develop and establish an exceptional workplace culture across diverse disciplines spanning engineering, plant biology and software engineering and ensure effective cohesion and cross-functional collaboration--even if they don’t report to you
• Collaborate effectively with scientific, engineering and technical staff of customers, vendors and other key stakeholders
• Participate in external vertical farming symposia and conferences
• Recruit, retain and develop high performing talent
• Participate on the Joint Research Committee

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Ten + years in seed or ag tech industry
• Ph.D or equivalent experience
• Intimate knowledge of plant performance under protected culture conditions
• Experience in constructing crop performance and production models
• Strong experimental design and data analytics skills
• Strong communications skills
• Working knowledge of the mechanics/engineering reqs of vertical farming
• Proven ability to work in an agile, high energy, scientifically rigorous organization

QUALIFICATIONS - DESIRED

• Experience leading multi–functional teams
• Expertise in leafy, solanaceous, and/or cucurbit crops
• Business relationships in the vertical farming and/or horticulture communities
• Proven ability to partner with technology providers and academics