Product Development Manager, NA

 DLF North America is currently recruiting for a Product Development Manager, North America for our operation located in West Salem, Wisconsin.

DLF Group is the world leader in the development and sale of high-quality grass seeds for the agricultural and (professional) lawn market. 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!  Join a winning team!

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

About the job

The Product Development Manager for North America serves as a strategic link between the global Research & Development (R&D) function and the commercial business in the region. This role ensures that product development activities are aligned with business priorities, and that product decisions are supported by robust, relevant data. The position is instrumental in ensuring efficient knowledge transfer, product readiness, and coordinated product pipeline progression. The role is part of the R&D Product Development team, which operates across four regions and collaborates closely with colleagues worldwide.

This position manages the prioritization and quality control  of product development trials across North America and validates the quality of data packages produced. The Product Development Manager ensures that product development efforts remain commercially relevant by actively engaging with both R&D and commercial teams. A central responsibility of this role is to facilitate clear and timely communication between departments and to support decision-making related to product advancement and commercialization within North America and across the broader organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the prioritization of field trials across the North American region in collaboration with the Trials Excellence team, ensuring adherence to trial quality standards and protocols.
• Review and validate field trial quality and trial data packages prior to their presentation to commercial stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and relevance.
• Act as the conduit for information flow between global R&D and the North American commercial organization.
• Ensure that product development activities reflect insights from the market and business needs assessments.
• Facilitate product advancement processes by aligning commercial input with breeder proposals.
• Monitor the product pipeline and assist in aligning product development priorities with the strategic direction of the business.
• Support the global utilization of the product portfolio by providing regional insight and product feedback.
• Participate in global product meetings and provide updates on regional progress and commercial relevance.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agricultural Science or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in product development, R&D, or technical roles within agriculture or the seed industry.
• Strong understanding of field trial design, data analysis methodologies, and agronomic practices in forage and turf segments.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally within global and matrixed organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to synthesize technical and business information and work structured to provide transparency.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and adapting to shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within North America and internationally as required.

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! 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, while also providing essential habitats for diverse wildlife, showcasing its crucial role in supporting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems. Grass feeds animals. Grass produces oxygen. Just a few reasons.... and many more! Check us out!

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in joining our DLF team, please send your resume and cover letter highlighting your talent and why you fit this role to https://careers.dlf.com. Please choose this role under the North America careers.

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