Investing in You, join a 100-year-old, family-owned leader in Ag - and grow with us!
Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.
"We know the confidence gap can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don't hesitate to apply - we'd love to hear from you."
Role Overview :
The Director of Branded Products Portfolio plays a critical role in managing Wilbur-Ellis Company's branded products. This leader directs and controls the activities of portfolio managers and R&D staff, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovative products that meet grower needs, strengthen competitive positioning, and deliver profitable growth.
The Director has overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, and managing expense priorities for the branded portfolio. This role requires broad management and leadership capabilities, with influence that extends beyond the department to impact policies, practices, and cross-functional alignment. Problems faced are substantially complex, requiring strategic foresight and the ability to implement improvements to processes, systems, and products that enhance performance. Portfolio Managers and R&D Managers / Scientists report to the Director.
A Sample of What You'll Do in this Role :
Leadership & Strategy
- Direct and control portfolio and R&D teams to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and financial objectives.
- Recommend and execute strategies that directly impact company-wide results.
- Oversee portfolio budgets, resource allocation, and expense priorities to maximize profitability.
- Mentor and guide team members through career development, hiring, and performance management.
Portfolio Management & Innovation
Originate new products to meet customer needs and strategic objectives.Manage all aspects of the branded products portfolio, including new product development, lifecycle management, and SKU optimization.Ensure compliance with regulatory, stewardship, and labeling requirements.Build and sustain a robust innovation pipeline of differentiated products.Commercial Execution
Establish and manage pricing strategies that capture value and margin.Lead planning and execution of product launches in collaboration with sales and marketing.Monitor product performance, making adjustments to achieve growth and profitability targets.Reduce portfolio complexity while ensuring competitive and market-relevant coverage.Business Development & Acquisitions
Identify, develop, or acquire additional product opportunities, including organic and specialty products.Oversee negotiation of legal contracts and intellectual property agreements with suppliers.Work with acquisition leaders to evaluate and integrate new opportunities, capturing synergies.Process & Continuous Improvement
Develop and maintain robust processes to manage active projects and portfolio priorities.Implement improvements to portfolio systems, processes, and execution to enhance overall performance.Develop yearly strategic product plans to inform senior management and align execution.What You Bring to the Role :
10+ years of experience in product management, portfolio management, or related roles within agriculture, crop protection, or biologicals.Deep understanding of agricultural industry crops, technologies, and practices.Provide clear direction and can motivate, develop, and retain high-performing teams.Strong ability to develop and maintain industry relationships with suppliers and trade associations.Skilled at identifying product acquisition opportunities and integrating them into the portfolio.Demonstrated leadership ability to set priorities, manage complexity, and influence across functions.Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.Strong financial and analytical skills with ability to establish pricing strategies and manage P&L impacts.Ability to remain detail-oriented while leading broad functional responsibilities.Demonstrated success leading broad functional teams, including technical and commercial disciplines.Skilled in influencing at senior levels, with ability to drive cross-functional alignment and results.Proven track record of developing and launching innovative products that deliver measurable business outcomes.Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business, or related field is required; MBA or advanced technical degree is preferred.What Makes You a Great Fit :
You're a strategic thinker with ability to align portfolio execution to long-term company goalsYou have a proven ability to build relationships and influence policies beyond your direct departmentYou have strong creative and critical thinking skills, with a results-driven orientationYou have demonstrated leadership presence, with broad management experience across multiple disciplinesCompensation and Benefits :
In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $164,300 - $230,070. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience.This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k). Follow this link for more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis employee benefits : https : / / mywebenefits.com /Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion :
Diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and ideas makes us all stronger. From leadership commitment to employee buy-in, we know that creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential is a shared responsibility.
Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employer
Wilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed specialty chemicals, and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.
Wilbur-Ellis is for and about people
Wilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over 100 years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to quality work, our customers, and each other.
Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry's best workforce
Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.
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