Principal Farm Manager – EMEA South (Murcia)

About the role

The Principal Farm Manager for EMEA South will lead BASF | Nunhems’ research farms in Murcia, overseeing both company‑owned and leased sites. Reporting to the Regional Head of R&D, you will combine operational leadership with strategic planning to support innovative vegetable breeding programs.

Key responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day operations of research farms, ensuring compliance with legal, environmental and EHSQ standards.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, crop specialists and maintenance staff, fostering a service‑oriented culture.
• Negotiate and administer contracts with third‑party providers, including labour, leasing and growing agreements.
• Develop and monitor CAPEX and OPEX budgets, aligning investments with long‑term business needs.
• Coordinate agronomic management across EMEA South farms to meet departmental objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including digitalisation and adoption of reference technologies.
• Oversee HR processes for the farm team, including performance evaluations, training and succession planning.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing large‑scale agricultural or research farms.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop technical and managerial capabilities in staff.
• Solid understanding of regulatory, environmental and safety compliance in the agricultural sector.
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning and contract negotiation.
• Excellent communication skills to align internal stakeholders with the R&D vision.

Required skills

• CAPEX and OPEX budgeting
• Budget planning and financial control
• EHSQ audit implementation
• Agronomic management of crops
• Contract negotiation with third‑party providers
• Continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives