Animal Nutrition Specialist

Overview:

KWS Seeds Canada is searching for an experienced and motivated Animal Nutrition Specialist in Western Canada. The Canadian team is small but highly motivated, and this will be the second nutrition team member focused on the development of the feed market for hybrid rye. The chosen individual will need the ability to work independently and have a broad range of skills including livestock nutrition, extension (sales, marketing, knowledge transfer) and research. Reporting to the Animal Nutrition Manager, the person in this position will play an integral role in developing the KWS feed business in Canada.  We are looking for a dynamic, innovative, self-starter who wants to make a difference in a startup environment.

Summary/Purpose: 

The Animal Nutrition Specialist will be part of a small team responsible for introducing and establishing hybrid rye into the livestock and animal feed sector as an effective and highly sustainable feed ingredient within Canada. The team’s objective is to be seen as a trusted partner, bringing new value to the animal feed sector with hybrid rye through strong relationships and collaboration, and data backed by science.   

This position is an extension role, working with livestock producers, animal nutritionists, feed companies and researchers to support the development of product knowledge and increased demand of hybrid rye grain and forage as feed. The position will work closely with our KWS Seeds Canada and global teams, as well as a large external network, to support and contribute to sales, marketing, research and service.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide extension knowledge and support to livestock producers, nutritionists, consultants, feed companies, researchers, producer groups and government to promote hybrid rye as animal feed (grain and forage).
• Introduce new business by identifying and generating new profitable accounts.
• Gather data and knowledge to support hybrid rye as a sustainable feed ingredient for animals (economic, social, environmental sustainability).
• Create interest in the use of hybrid rye for livestock by developing articles, presentations, training sessions and other extension tools such as farm visits.
• Provide accurate grain and/or forage feeding recommendations for hybrid rye in pig, poultry, beef and dairy cattle rations.
• Assist the Animal Nutrition Manager in the development of feed research and commercial demonstration trials and communicate results throughout the industry and within the company.
• Support and contribute to company marketing, sales and service with KWS staff and its retail channel to grow end use markets in feed and forage.
• Execute timely and efficient plans to investigate and grow the feed business.

• Assist colleagues and support other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Post-secondary education including a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Animal Sciences with emphasis livestock nutrition AND/OR;
• 3+ years of extension, sales, marketing or consulting in livestock nutrition with demonstrated success
• Strong technical understanding of livestock nutrition and diet formulation
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deliverables with minimal supervision
• Data driven and results oriented

• Superior written and oral communication skills with ability to develop, edit, and publish research papers; negotiate, and execute various contracts and agreements; develop budgets and presentations

• Proficiency in computing skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint)

• Strong teamworking skills with the ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships
• Desire to collaborate globally with other KWS teams
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly (40% of the time)
• Candidates must reside in Western Canada, and be legally authorized to work in Canada

Preferred qualifications: 

• 5+ years of extension, sales, marketing or consulting in livestock nutrition with demonstrated success
• Advanced experience in terms of relationship building, strategic planning, marketing, sales and/or project management
• Experience with CRM systems/Salesforce
• Experience in crop production or the seed industry
• Ability to speak both English and French

Benefits

This position is a work-from-home opportunity (candidates must be based in Western Canada) with a competitive salary, paid vacation, company matching RRSPs and a comprehensive benefits package. Work-life balance is encouraged, and employees have access to the IncentFit program as well as leadership and professional development programs.

About KWS

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for 170 Years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and distribution of seed of sugarbeets, cereals, corn, and vegetables. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods. 5,000+ employees represent KWS in more than 70 countries.

About KWS Seeds Canada

KWS has been active in Canada via distributors of our seed varieties since 2014. In 2022 KWS established this Canadian business entity with head office in Calgary, Alberta, which today has a full-service team of professionals across the country. Our goal is to expand hybrid fall rye seed distribution and end use market demand across Canada, while setting the stage for other crop types to follow.

For more information: kws.com/career,  kws.com/ca
Follow us on LinkedIn®: KWS Canada