Formulation Pilot Plant Manager

Our Formulation Pilot Plant (FPP) is an essential link in the chain of development activities for Syngenta’s new products, accommodating a variety of functions to test, develop and scale-up new formulations, packaging solutions and application technologies. The FPP is undergoing about to undergo a major transformation and modernization effort, in terms of equipment, infrastructure and organization, while continuing to run critical activities.

As Formulation Pilot Plant Manager you will play a pivotal role in this effort, turning our current asset into an efficient, future-proof facility and in managing the day-to-day operations. You will lead a team of around 5 direct engineers and operators will be accountable for the operational and capital budgets. You will build a sustainable capability by leading the team and coaching individuals. Through partnership with a variety of functions, you translate their needs into process-, equipment-, and infrastructure changes projects and you implement these in the pilot plant. You represent the FPP internally and externally with relevant stakeholders and other functions on site (e.g. HSE, Engineering, Maintenance) and in the transformation project, creating trusting and productive relationships.

Job Description

• Guide the FPP through a major transformation journey via strong leadership and communication skills, especially during unclear situations.
• Ensure the delivery of FPP development and production program in safe, compliant and efficient manner.
• Build an organization that is capable and driven to meet the needs of our customers
• Drive a culture of safety, trust and collaboration within the FPP
• Build productive partnerships with collaborating functions and stakeholder.
• Drive efficiency improvements to increase the capacity for trial work within FPP
• Identify, evaluate and introduce innovative and performance-changing manufacturing technologies into FPP
• Apply the principles of Operational Excellence to drive standardization in manufacturing technologies, methodologies and protocols within FPP

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter the threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs.
Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting.  From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects, and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat, and cold.
Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

• First degree or higher in Chemistry or a relevant Engineering discipline
• A track record in a manufacturing or pilot plant environment
• Knowledge of formulation chemistry and formulation manufacturing processes
• Coaches people to excel, provides opportunities for learning, and creates a climate for development and growth
• Knowledge of practical engineering -and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of project -and facility management, who can plan, organize and monitor performance to meet deadlines
• Strong and clear communicator
• Strong networker, able to build and foster trusting and productive relations
• Creates an environment that supports creativity, transparency, and challenge and coaches people to spark innovation
• Fluent in English, ideally strong German (at least level C1 or willingness to achieve this level quickly)

Please send your complete application with CV and motivation letter.

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including: 

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment  
• A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome 
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence 
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options 
• You will profit from a competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance…) 

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.