Role Purpose
This role is responsible for leading the qualification, governance, and ongoing compliance of External Manufacturers (Ems - Tollers) and Customer Manufacturers (CMs) in Latin America, in accordance with Corteva Quality, EHS&S, regulatory, and contamination prevention standards.
In addition, this position is accountable for identifying, mapping, and assessing new potential companies that may become future EMs or CMs, supporting business growth, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and new product launches.
The role also acts as the External Manufacturing Quality Leader, providing independent quality governance, technical authority, and compliance oversight, while External Manufacturing Operations Leaders focus on operational execution.
Key Job Responsibilities
External Manufacturing Qualification & Compliance
- Lead the External Manufacturing (EM) and Customer Manufacturing (CM) qualification process in accordance with Corteva EHSQ, Quality, and regulatory standards.
- Perform site visits to identify, map, and assess potential new tollers and customer manufacturers.
- Lead initial qualification audits and periodic requalification audits at external manufacturing sites.
- Conduct EHSQ and Quality assessments for new product launches, new technologies, and new processes at existing tollers.
- Ensure compliance with local legislation and applicable regulatory requirements for all products manufactured externally.
Quality and Compliance Governance/Management
- Lead EHSQ assessments and periodic audits at external manufacturing sites.
- Manage the EHSQ risk assessment program for External Manufacturing in the region.
- Lead microbiological growth risk assessments for EM operations.
- Track TCL Matrix Review for External Manufacturing operations.
- Represent Latin America in Global Quality and External Manufacturing forums and propose Management System Improvements.
- Ensure audit governance, consistency, and quality of execution across all EM sites in the region.
- Train and mentor EMOLs on audit processes, quality systems, and compliance governance.
Quality Leadership
- Act as the Site Quality Leader for external manufacturing sites, including:
- Tracking and trending quality issues and non‑conformances
- Leading investigations and Root Cause Analysis
- Ensuring effective corrective and preventive actions
- Resolve issues related to Quality Management Systems (QMS) to maintain business continuity.
- Continuously improve the Quality Management System and conduct annual reviews.
- Prepare, present, and communicate audit reports, quality metrics, dashboards, and risk summaries to stakeholders.
- Enter quality results into SAP QM.
- Execute batch derivation, when applicable.
- Perform usage decision and batch release, ensuring proper governance and segregation of duties.
- Guide External manufacturing team for product reprocess or rework in accordance with quality and compliance specification for different countries
Key Interactions
This role works closely with:
- Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Business Teams
- Quality, Regulatory, Compliance, Legal, and Logistics
- A2P Resources and Corteva Technology Centers
The role also interacts regularly with:
- Molecule Supply Chain Managers
- Global Business Leaders (GBLs) and Business Management Leaders (BMLs)
- RCU Leaders
- Marketing and Sales Leaders
- Global External Manufacturing and Quality networks
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.
- Fluent in Spanish and English
- 5 to 10 years of experience in the agricultural, chemical, or formulation industry.
- Experience with Quality Management Systems and compliance governance.
- Expertise with Auditing
NOTE: Ability and willingness to travel internationally and work effectively in a remote environment.
Preferred
- Strong technical background in chemistry and chemical engineering, with emphasis on EHS&S, quality, and contamination prevention.
- Auditing certification (internal or external auditor).
- Experience with external manufacturing, toll manufacturing, or contract manufacturing
Key Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong ability to analyze and interpret technical information, standards, and regulations.
- High level of attention to detail and process observation.
- Ability to act independently and make sound technical decisions.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Critical thinking to identify systemic gaps, risks, and weaknesses in processes and systems.
- Proven experience in Root Cause Analysis, issue management, and stakeholder influence.
- Solid knowledge of Quality Leadership roles, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and Corteva Quality policies and procedures.
Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.