Product Claims Manager

Bayer CropScience (BCS) is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. With our headquarters in Monheim, Germany, Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 17,900, and is represented in more than 120 countries. BCS is structured into six Business Operations units: four regional crop protection units and two units responsible for Environmental Science and BioScience – offering an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture as well as for non-agricultural applications.ResponsibilitiesThis position is responsible for the administration of the product claims process for the US Crop Protection business, administration of the cotton and canola Shared Risk programs, and management of claims/program costs against the approved budget. This role reports to the National Operations Director. As innovative leaders in the crop protection industry, we develop new products and sustainable solutions which help safeguard harvests and yields in order to meet the growing demand for high quality food and feed, fiber and energy crops.The incumbent will: - Support product claims handling to assure equitable settlement with a focus on the interest of Bayer CropScience; - Collects, verifies and reports on all BCS product claims; - Reviews incoming reports for accuracy and compliance with approved policies/procedures, maintains the claims data base, maintains appropriate hard copy files, and provides summary reports to management; - Administers requests for settlement of product claims to BCS and if approved, the subsequent disbursement; - Ensure corporate authorization limits while reconciling all claims costs with BCS Controlling on a quarterly basis; - Provides support and information to other BCS departments regarding complaints; - Supports field sales to manage actual claim costs against the approved annual budget; - Provides support to the legal department in preparation for litigation on disputed claims; - Tracks product quality issues related to formulation, packaging, equipment, safety, etc. and provides this information to NAFTA Quality Improvement Manager, for analysis and resolution; - Provides data to Regulatory for Section 6(a)(2) reporting requirements; - Develops and updates BCS product complaint policies and procedures utilizing input from Marketing, Sales, Technical Services, Legal, Controlling and Regulatory that ensure fair and accurate assessment of all claim requests and settlements; - Manages fulfillment of the cotton and canola Shared Risk programs, including handling exceptions and quarterly audits of supporting documentation; - Ensures proper use and functioning of process tools for Complaints and Shared Risk (online tools provided by AgData), including responsibility for managing enhancement requests, testing of functionality, and providing training to users.QualificationsThe selected candidate will possess: - Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field and a minimum of 8 years’ experience in the agriculture industry OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the agriculture industry; - Overall knowledge concerning agricultural practices and insecticide, herbicide and fungicide usage and of Bayer Crop Protection and BioScience products, as well as those of competitive companies; - Thorough understanding of relevant regulations and product liability procedures relating to our industry; - Strong interpersonal skills to communicate ideas orally and in writing to accomplish duties. Extensive interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) are necessary to draft and launch policies / processes and present those plans to Business (Marketing) Managers and Region Heads; - Ability to assess the relevance of information in reviewing product liability claims and Section 6(a)(2) reports; - Identify potential problem areas, and communicate to management, based on the area of responsibility, which could affect Research & Development direction, Marketing & Sales activities as well as Manufacturing practices; - Excellent organizational, follow up and analytical skills, as this role will transfer knowledge of market trends and product claim losses into actionable proactive plans; - Working knowledge regarding basic crop practices; - Advanced computer and presentation skills (proficiencies in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ability to use web-based tools); - Ability to train the sales force, and deal with all levels of management in field sales, regulatory, legal, R&D and other functions; - Proven ability to multi-task in a rapid-paced and matrixed environment; - Travel approximately 20-30%.Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agri-business or business related field; - Knowledge or experience in court and legal proceedings bases on Civil and or Criminal Litigation; - Demonstrated leadership skills that drive results.Bayer Benefits We offer a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefit programs. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will be eligible for an array of innovative rewards and recognition programs, variable pay and incentive opportunities as well as benefits coverage beginning on your first day of employment. We are committed to helping our employees maintain a healthy balance between their responsibilities at work and home. You will be eligible for paid time off programs, paid company holidays, flexible work options and numerous site conveniences. We are also committed to supporting your professional development through career ladders, training programs, tuition assistance and professional association events. Bayer Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, we encourage you to explore how you can make a difference at Bayer by applying now. To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes..Additional Information: Travel Percentage: 25%