EU Quality Head

We have an exciting opportunity for a EU Quality Head in Manchester. The role is responsible for define & lead the regional quality organization towards excellence in product quality and customer satisfaction. Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Regional Quality function, supporting end to end alignment of quality activities, including ultimate accountability for delivery of the desired customer experience.

As a member of the Global Quality Leadership Team (GQLT) for Crop Protection (CP) and the regional Production and Supply Management Teams, supporting the development of the Global CP Quality Strategy, Objectives and Targets, and ensuring that the Quality Management programs in the region are in full alignment with Global strategies.

Responsibilities/accountabilities will include (but are not limited to): 

• Partner with supply, production and commercial CP leadership in the region to translate the global quality strategy into tangible regional  implementation plans that meet the expectations of all relevant stakeholder groups.
• Ensure adequate resources to support a proactive approach to predict, prevent, and protect the company and its customers from quality performance issues in the region.
• Develop regional quality priorities aligned with the Global Quality roadmap as defined in the GQLT and Regional P&S and Commercial strategies aligned with the Regional P&S Head.
• Develop and sustain a close working relationship with the different CP functions in the region to operationalize the QMS of CP and to monitor and improve performance.
• Facilitate the management review process, setting priority tactics for the region and the developing quality improvement plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant quality-related policies, regulations, and standards.
• Ensure effectiveness of quality risk management within CP in the Region
• Deploy regional communication and training programs and support leader-led engagement activities that build and sustain a quality culture.
• Lead the regional quality leadership team and drive continuous improvement in their performance, optimizing the organizational structure as well as ways of working
• Implement the Syngenta Crop Protection QMS in the Region, ensure is up-to-date, applied and continuously improved
• Provide expertise and input to improve the Crop Protection QMS. Ensure Regional documentation is properly maintained.
• Consistent approach in risk mitigation for all major quality risks.
• Ensure the delivery of the Regional Annual Audit plan (Syngenta Global QMS 5-year plan, TQRs, local audits, external certifications) in collaboration with the global governance group. Support Lead Auditors to conduct, report and approve actions identified to address findings.
• Facilitate regular Quality Performance Reviews for the Region and input for the Global CP Quality reporting
• Ensure rigorous reporting and quality of incident investigation. Lead RCA and ensure timely resolution of complaints. Enhance sharing and learning in quality
• Ensure quality PDCA wheel spins and continuous improvement follows
• Support development and deploy quality capability programs
• Create a quality network with all players across the board (procurement-supply-production-commercial)
• Provide expertise on quality capabilities to the organization. Implement key capabilities in the region. Support and guide site Quality Professionals
• Ensure proper use of the quality IT platforms, provide input to improve the tools.
• Support definition and deployment of Quality Master data processes and systems in the Region to ensure compliance. Ensure country-specific requirements are understood and implemented. Support Commercial and P&S to access the right quality-related information.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s biggest agricultural technology companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. With more than 59,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries, the company strives to transform agriculture with science-driven, technological innovations to deliver high productivity and high-quality food while fighting climate change and restore nature. Syngenta Group is working with farmers to enable Regenerative Agriculture - an outcome-based food production system that nurtures and restores soil health, protects the climate and water resources and biodiversity, and enhances farms' productivity and profitability. Syngenta Group, which is registered in Shanghai, China, and has its management headquarters in Switzerland, draws strength from its four business units: Syngenta Crop Protection, headquartered in Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds, headquartered in the United States; ADAMA®, headquartered in Israel; and Syngenta Group China. Together, these businesses provide industry-leading ways to serve customers around the world.   

Syngenta’s global and European planning, logistics and procurement operations are based in the UK. The supply team coordinate the movement of all of Syngenta’s raw materials globally, and onward distribution to ensure vital and time-critical products are available to farmers when they need them. Our products are sold to distributors who sell directly to farmers globally.

See more here: https://www.syngentagroup.com/en/our-stories/digging-deeper  

What we are looking for 

We are highly people-focused – we look for professionals who are engaged, collaborative and excellent in execution. Our industry and our function are changing rapidly so we are looking for new team members with a strong desire to develop themselves. You will be a great fit if you have: 

• A solid knowledge of the practical application of Quality Management (e.g. ISO norms), strong knowledge in quality assurance and control and continuous improvement methods
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix structure
• Experience in leading through direct line and by influence
• Experience in working with remote and culturally diverse teams
• Experience in preparing and managing Budgets
• Continuous Improvement capabilities (Lean, Six Sigma and Management disciplines)
• Experience in a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is essential.
• Operational experience in production and supply is a plus
• Analytical laboratory experience with in-depth knowledge of QC processes is a plus
• Proven leadership skills in building, managing, and developing teams
• Experienced in the effective application of change management techniques.
• Demonstration of the ability to build collaborative partnerships with leaders
• Project/program management across functions
• Able to deal with regulatory authorities

Site Details 

The role is based in our Global Operations Centre in Manchester. This is a hybrid contract, with a minimum 2 days per week to be worked in the office, with remote working available for the remainder of the week (for the first few months, there may be a requirement to spend up to 3 days per week onsite). The site is a local hub for worldwide operations, ensuring growers, globally, have access to the right product at the right time. You will find a dynamic and agile working environment, with a diverse and inclusive culture, with more than 200 employees working on Syngenta’s site. 

What we offer 

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance. 
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Financial, physical and mental wellbeing.
• 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. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer 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