American Takii Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Takii & Company Ltd, Japan.  Takii & Co is one of the world’s leading flower and vegetable seed breeders, producers and marketers.  We are currently seeking a Vegetable Product Development Manager to work in the SE US.  We are looking for a self-motivated and responsible individual with product development experience in vegetables (particularly Cabbage and Watermelon) to perform the following:

• Manage vegetable product development activities including initiating trials in the SE US and support other regions in the US as necessary.
• Occasional travel to Canada and / or Mexico may be required.
• Develop relationships with local growers and SE dealer network.
• Initiate trials for all Takii vegetable product lines in major commercial growing areas.  Evaluate the commercial checks and new products for agronomic performance and market acceptance. Report trial result data to Sales and Research Departments on a monthly report format.
• Provide support for Takii plant breeders to screen experimental variety adaptability.
• Attend regional and national grower/produce conventions to build industry relationships, promote Takii vegetable products and gather market information.
• Provide support and technical information to Sales / PD staff to aid in resolution of product complaints and recommend timely resolution strategies.

This position reports to the Product Development Manager and works closely with the Eastern Technical Sales Manager.

The candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• BS or BA in Agricultural Science or Agriculture.
• Minimum 5 years work experience in commercial vegetable seed sales and / or product development.  Experience in commercial vegetable production desirable.
• Fluent English speaker with good communications skills.  Spanish language ability a plus.
• Clean driving record with valid driver’s license.
• Requires some physical activities, bending, lifting, under cold/wet/hot/humid conditions.
• Proficiency with MSN Office 2007, or more current version (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point).
• Eligible to reside and work in the United States.
• Develop good working relationships with seed dealers and growers in the region.
• Must live in Northern Florida or Georgia so there will be less travel expense.

American Takii Inc. offers a competitive wage base and benefits package including a company vehicle, cell phone, laptop computer, medical and dental plan and 401k.

American Takii is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please send your resume to:

American Takii, Inc.
HR Manager: Glen Marks
Reference Southeast Product Development Manager,
301 Natividad Rd.
Salinas, Ca.  93906

or you may email to gmarks@takii.com