Meet Corteva’s UK and Ireland Technical Manager: An interview with Sally Harris
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Tell us a little bit about your role at Corteva?
The UK and Ireland Technical Manager role is a strategic responsiblility for technical collaboration with UK and Irish Customers. I lead our team of Field Technical Managers and Technical Support Specialists. It’s a great role where I get to interact with a wide range of people internally and externally. This year we are launching 4 new products so it’s a very busy and exciting time for us all.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Technical Manager at Corteva?
I grew up on a farm so had quite a lot of holiday jobs during school and university on farms, I completed a degree in Ecology from Edinburgh University and then went on to complete a Masters in Crop Protection from Harper Adams University. I did couple of years as an agronomist for a small local distributor which was quite a learning curve as they gave me a map and a car and told me to get on with it!
I was then offered a job with Dow AgroSciences as a Field Scientist carrying out a wide range of Trials. I loved the trials work and was able to develop my role to also include preparing dossiers for submissions to the authorities for new actives and products. Having this insight in Research and Development (R&D) was extremely useful when I moved to the commercial part of the business after about 15 years. From there I worked as an Area Manager in the West of the UK before moving to my current role at the time of the merger of Dow, DuPont and Pioneer. I've been fortunate not only to do a wide number of roles with the company, but also to have been able to grow the technical team significantly in the last 7 years to support our range of current and new solutions.
Do you have a connection to agriculture outside of Corteva?
Yes, I have very strong agricultural connections being a farmer’s daughter growing up on our farm in Shropshire. I gained plenty of work experience growing up both at home and on other farms and businesses.
When I started my career, it was quite uncommon to see women in the industry. While some might view the industry as male-dominated and assume it could present challenges, I have never experienced any issues and have felt supported throughout my journey.
What has been the most interesting project you've worked on at Corteva?
I wrote quite a number of dossiers for Grassland Herbicides and was involved in gaining new registrations when I was on the R&D side of the business. This year we are launching 2 new Grassland herbicides, ProClova®XL and ProGrass™, and it’s wonderful to be involved in the process from the commercial side of the business. Supporting our farmers on the LEAF Resilient and Ready programme is extremely interesting and rewarding too.
How do you keep up to date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
Talking to people as much as possible! Also, the farming press, conferences etc.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Technical Manager in the agricultural industry?
I think being aware of what’s out there and saying yes opportunities no matter how daunting or different they are from what you currently do.
I knew I didn’t want to farm but I really wanted to be involved in the industry, and I am passionate about science, so Corteva was the perfect blend. A good example is when I was asked to move to the commercial side of the business, and I was hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and stand up in front of agronomists but when it came to doing it, I realised I actually loved it, so I would say take the leap of faith!
Put yourself forward, find a good mentor, believe in yourself and seize opportunities.
Why would you recommend Corteva as a great place to work?
The fact that I'm still here after 27 years is not a bad advert! What I am most proud of is having been with the company for that time and having had such a diversity of roles as well as having flexibility and being able to support my family and maintain a good balance, which for me is really important.
If you are looking for a role with a difference, Corteva is the right choice, providing valuable learning experiences. Find out more about our talented team here.
