Data Excellence Lead

In Crop Protection R&D, we design, deliver and evolve cutting-edge data capabilities to allow us to access, connect, share and harness our R&D data at an unprecedented scale and pace. We cover a wide spectrum of data from Research (chemistry and biology research lab data) all the way to open field IoT (environmental sensors, drones, satellite imaging), along with cutting-edge analytics capabilities such as AI/ML, GenAI and computer vision. We firmly believe in FAIR, shared and connected data products, empowered and data-savvy people, agile delivery and open source.

We are looking for a progressive leader with deep expertise in R&D data and information governance and management processes, coupled with outstanding interpersonal and business skills to play a key role in CR R&D-wide foundational capabilities and transformation efforts, such as data quality, master and reference data management, information and knowledge management, data catalogues and data platforms for analytics and innovation.

Key accountabilities:

• Standardise and scale the process of effective creation, management and exploitation of trusted and reliable FAIR data assets (structured and unstructured) within and across R&D functions to drive project and business decisions, avoid risk and enable more effective use, analytics and data science.
• Co-develop, issue and govern a set of CP R&D-wide principles, guardrails and frameworks on data and metadata management, roles, accountabilities and processes along the data lifecycle from planning to exploitation in a federated fashion across R&D functions. 
• Set the CP R&D strategy on the priority, application and platforms for proactive and impactful data management, including data quality, data cataloguing and master data management.
• Establish, coordinate and chair data and information governance activities to ensure business data ownership, stewardship and sponsorship, working closely with counterparts and peers in the R&D functions, especially with AI and GenAI in mind.
• Engage and activate the data and broader community on the value and practice of good data management and sharing practices.
• Advocate for and lead change management campaigns on FAIR, data culture and data literacy.
• Act as the business product owner for cross-functional data capabilities such as the management of master and reference data, data quality, ontologies and data access platforms.

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow healthy and nutritious food while taking care of the planet. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. Regardless of your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding an ever-increasing population while taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

What are we looking for?

• MSc/PhD in STEM or data-related sciences and engineering or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience leading data governance / management initiatives in complex organizations and related industries (chemical, pharma, science-driven R&D) with deep technical understanding of R&D concepts and how scientific data is produced, managed and used.
• Advanced knowledge of data governance practices, business and technology opportunities related to management of enterprise data, information assets and approaches related to data quality, privacy, compliance and risks along with proven ability to explain these to senior leaders.
• Superb business acumen and consulting skills, coupled with change management concepts and strategies, including communication, culture change and performance measurement design.
• Deep understanding of data and information management tools, architecture and technology solutions, such as data catalogues, data modelling and master data management platforms.
• Knowledge of agile and product/project management principles and methodologies is desired .

Our site

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety and technical support of our product range.

What we offer:

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Interaction with external thought leaders and opportunities to represent Syngenta in professional networks, collaborations and conferences.
• Good onsite facilities including a staff restaurant, a gym and fitness classes.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population.
• A vibrant growth and learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Jealott’s Hill has Disability Confident certification.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealott’s Hill site are a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we can to support you.