Trials Excellence Manager

DLF North America is currently recruiting for a Trials Excellence Manager for our operations located in West Salem, Wisconsin.

DLF Group is the world leader in the development and sale of high-quality grass seeds for the agricultural forage and (professional) lawn markets. By continuously developing new innovative varieties and products, and with a strong focus on quality and reliability, DLF Group offers demonstrable value to the business of their customers and other relationships.

DLF North America SBU, is one of our four Strategic Business Units. DLF employees are characterized by a high level of competency, passion, and commitment. In everything we do we act with respect, trust and integrity.

Come grow with DLF!

Check us out www.dlf.com (Global) & www.us.dlf.com (USA) & www.ca.dlf.com (CA) & visit our careers page at https://careers.dlf.com.

About the job

The Trials Excellence Manager at DLF West Salem plays a critical role in supporting DLF’s global breeding and research programs by ensuring world‑class execution of field trials, trial seed production, seed processing, and overall site operations. This position is responsible for integrating individual trial plans from breeders and researchers into a cohesive, optimized annual site plan that balances crop rotation, resource availability, and operational efficiency. Through strong planning, prioritization, and an eye for continuous improvement, the Trials Excellence Manager ensures the delivery of high‑quality trials and reliable data across multiple species.

As a key leader on site, this role oversees a dedicated trials excellence team and fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork. The Trials Excellence Manager ensures effective daily coordination, manages site budgets and investments, and upholds a high standard of site maintenance and operational performance. They collaborate closely with internal teams, local landowners, and global stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of trial seeds, high-quality trial execution, and clear alignment on priorities.

This role is also a core member of the North America R&D Management Team and an active participant in both the North America and global TEM networks. Through knowledge sharing, process standardization, and cross‑site collaboration, the Trials Excellence Manager contributes to elevating trials excellence across DLF’s global network. The position is instrumental in shaping the culture, fostering continuous improvement, and supporting strategic priorities for R&D operations in North America in alignment with DLF values.

Job Responsibilities:

Trial Planning and Management

• Plan, coordinate, and optimize the annual field trial program in alignment with breeding objectives, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Integrate individual trial plans from breeders and researchers into a cohesive, site‑wide operational plan that considers crop rotation, field capacity, timelines, and resource constraints.
• Ensure balanced resource allocation across multiple species undergoing breeding and trialing at West Salem.
• Oversee field preparation, sowing, maintenance, phenotyping activities, and harvesting to ensure high‑quality, consistent data generation.
• Maintain proper crop rotations to preserve trial integrity, soil health, and long‑term site sustainability.
• Collaborate with local farmers and landowners to secure land access and support rotation planning.

Seed Production and Processing

• Plan, prioritize, and oversee the cleaning, processing, quality assurance, and packaging of trial seed.
• Ensure timely delivery of trial seed to internal breeding teams, research partners, and external DLF stakeholders.

Farm and Grant Management

• Manage farm crops and rotations to support trial quality and maximize efficient use of available land.
• Identify, apply for, and administer applicable grants that support trial execution, farm activities, or site improvements.

Team Leadership and People Management

• Lead, develop, and motivate the trials excellence team to foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and collaboration.
• Organize and lead weekly field team meetings to coordinate daily and weekly operations.
• Work closely with breeders and researchers to align priorities, resolve conflicts, and ensure operational readiness.
• Conduct annual Performance Development Reviews (PDRs) for all direct reports and support ongoing coaching and development.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels, including full‑time team members and seasonal/temporary workers based on operational needs.

Site and Operational Management

• Set daily and weekly priorities to ensure efficient coordination across trials, seed processing, farm activities, and site maintenance.
• Develop, manage, and maintain accountability for the site’s annual budget, including input purchases, operational costs, and capital investments.
• Oversee maintenance of buildings, equipment, and grounds, ensuring a safe, professional, and visitor‑ready environment.
• Identify, implement, and evaluate new technologies, equipment, and processes that enhance trial execution, data quality, or operational efficiency.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the North America R&D Management Team, contributing to regional alignment, culture, and continuous improvement.
• Promote strong cross‑functional collaboration across all site teams to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery of data, seed, and operational support.

Global Trials Excellence Contribution

• Participate actively in the North America TEM network to share learnings, coordinate CAPEX requests, and align best practices.
• Contribute to the global TEM network by sharing expertise and supporting the development and standardization of trials excellence across DLF sites worldwide.
• Support TEM efforts to operate as a coordinated global network, identifying opportunities to optimize trial activities across locations.

Assist with various duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Operations, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in agricultural research operations, field trial management, farm management, or seed production environments.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing multi‑species field trials, including crop rotations, field preparation, trial layout, and harvest logistics.
• Proven people leadership experience, including leading teams, scheduling labor, coaching employees, and conducting performance reviews.
• Strong operational planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, seasonal workloads, and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of seed processing, including cleaning, treatment, and packaging workflows.
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams), farm or trial management software, and basic data systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across breeding, research, operations, and cross‑functional teams.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.

Working Environment

• This position is based on site at the DLF West Salem Research Station and requires frequent work outdoors in active agricultural field environments.
• Exposure to seasonal weather conditions—including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust—is expected throughout the year.
• Work occurs around agricultural equipment, field implements, seed processing machinery, and other farm‑related tools; proper training and PPE are provided.
• The role involves regular interaction with on‑site teams, breeders, researchers, visitors, and external partners such as local landowners.
• Occasional travel may be required to other DLF locations, including Touchet, OR, as well as regional or global meetings.
• During peak seasons, extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet trial timelines or harvest windows.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk long distances across uneven ground, trial fields, and farm environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to approximately 50 lbs (e.g., seed bags, equipment parts, tools).
• Capacity to perform tasks involving bending, kneeling, standing, and repetitive physical activity associated with fieldwork and seed processing.
• Ability to operate or work near agricultural machinery, field equipment, ATVs/UTVs, and seed‑processing equipment following safety protocols.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, including seed cleaning facilities, processing rooms, storage areas, and workshops.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity necessary for trial assessments, seed handling, equipment adjustments, and safe operation of tools.

Compensation and Benefits: 

DLF USA Inc. offers a compensation plan that includes a base salary, benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, bonus available, retirement savings plan with company contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and personal days. Compensation will be based on experience.

Why work for DLF? 

We do good things! Turf grass is more than just a pretty sight – it helps fight climate change by trapping carbon and preventing soil erosion, making it a vital ally in preserving the environment. Grass acts as a natural filter, purifying water and improving air quality.  Perennial forage grass and legume crops also provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife, showcasing the crucial role of supporting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems. Grass, alfalfa and clover feed animals and produce oxygen. Just a few reasons.... and many more! Check us out!

Ready to make an impact? We invite you to come and grow with us!

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in joining our DLF team, please apply to the role on our careers page. https://careers.dlf.com. Please upload your resume and a cover letter highlighting your talent and why you fit this role.

We thank all applicants who apply for this position but advise only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

DLF USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request during the recruitment, assessment, selection, and placement process. Alternate format available upon request.