Enterprise Architect (R&D)

Purpose

As the Enterprise Architect for our Research & Development function within the Crop Protection business unit, you will lead and shape the technical landscape and provide strategic leadership to a team of talented and collaborative experts implementing information-driven strategies that empower agricultural scientists to develop breakthrough solutions for growers worldwide.

This role expands beyond traditional architectural boundaries – you will lead end-to-end implementation of applications and data environments across our extensive R&D ecosystem of 250+ applications and 500+ developers. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation, designing and implementing systems that directly address some of the world's most pressing challenges in food production and environmental sustainability, shaping how agricultural science is conducted.

Join a diverse team committed to sustainable agriculture and making a positive impact on global food security.

Key Accountabilities

• Define and govern the technical architecture strategy across our global R&D ecosystem of 250+ applications and 500+ developers.
• Establish enterprise standards and architectural principles that enable scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions.
• Lead technology portfolio rationalization and modernization roadmaps in partnership with business stakeholders.
• Design cloud-first architecture patterns while partnering with Syngenta's cloud team for implementation.
• Ensure enterprise data adheres to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) across all R&D platforms.
• Define comprehensive security frameworks enabling secure data sharing across internal teams, external partners, and public research initiatives.
• Lead and mentor the architecture guild to establish technical standards, best practices, and innovation across the organization.
• Facilitate architectural decision-making through workshops and consensus-building across diverse technical teams.
• Partner strategically with R&D leadership to align technology strategy with scientific research objectives and business outcomes.

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fiber, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources. 

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre 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, technical support of our product range and seeds research.

Essential Experience

• 8-10+ years as Enterprise/Platform Architect in large-scale enterprise environments.
• 5+ years of proven people leadership with demonstrated ability to guide results in complex organizations.
• Strong AWS expertise with hands-on experience in cloud-native architecture and migration strategies.

Technical Excellence

• Enterprise Data Architecture: Proven track record building high-volume data platforms
• Modern Integration: Strong knowledge of API design, microservices, and integration with legacy systems and COTS solutions.

Advanced Capabilities

• Certification and practical experience in TOGAF and ArchiMate.
• Security Leadership: Strong foundation in enterprise security patterns (Kerberos, SAML, data masking, tokenization).
• Emerging Technologies: Current knowledge of data engineering, knowledge graphs, metadata management, ML/AI platforms

Leadership Qualities

• Strategic Communicator: Ability to present complex technical concepts to C-level executives and research scientists alike.
• Workshop Facilitator: Skilled at leading technical workshops and building consensus across diverse teams.
• Adaptable Leader: Proven ability to collaborate, prioritize and adapt.
• Problem Solver: Strong analytical skills with a track record of solving sophisticated technical challenges.

We encourage applications from candidates who meet most of these criteria and are excited about growing into this role. We value diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Hybrid working scheme or Full remote from the UK.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options.

Join us in shaping the future of agricultural innovation through technology excellence.

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.