Functional Planner-Hybrid

About Us
At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Seeds Research Planning Team is currently seeking a Functional Planner, to be located in Durham, NC

Role Purpose 
This role exists to provide planning support to Seeds Research project-programs and functions. The information will also enable strategic Seeds R&D portfolio decisions.  The successful candidate will develop a thorough knowledge of the type of activities performed by the supported groups. He or she will use planning process and tools to support the functional delivery of project objectives within a complex organizational structure (cross-functional, cross-sites) and technical environment.  

The successful candidate will also help develop and implement state-of-the-art planning tools and processes; ensure functions and projects follow standardized processes for planning activities and resource use; ensure reporting of functional plan activities and status as appropriate for relevant stakeholders; understand and provide for planning needs of research groups and Seeds Research programs and ensure continued improvement in planning for Seeds Research.      
    

Accountabilities

• Develop activity-based functional plans with projects that have clear and realistic expectations, and timelines based on project milestones.
• Ensure these plans are reviewed periodically, track, update and make visible any changes in a timely manner.
• Proactively identify potential issues, seek and propose scheduling solutions to project teams and functional team leaders.
• Work closely with SR program managers to monitor resource use within programs.
• Routinely meet with functional and project stakeholders to ensure planning data quality.
• Support and champion efficient operation and continuous improvement of planning practices within Seeds Research.
• Become an expert in tools leveraged used to support SR planning, and support the development and implementation of new tools or capabilities.
• Apply cross-functional and cross-project learnings in the planning

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Required with experience in a project-oriented R&D environment
• Experience working with process analysis and drawing conclusions from sets of information
• Technical science background or ability to become familiar with relevant functional capabilities
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage own work slate
• Proactive in anticipating and raising awareness of potential issues, deviations from plans and resource bottlenecks
• Persistence and attention to detail
• Ability to coach others in planning skills and best practice
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Construction of and adherence to realistic timelines
• Ability to thrive in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environment, manage change, resolve conflict, and gather momentum for projects to deliver results
• Must be proficient in MS Suites, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Requirements

• Experience achieving critical targets within tight deadlines and with limited resources
• Experience with SQL / Oracle APEX 
• PMP certification or PM training 

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution 
• Paid Vacation, 9 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)
 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.      

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Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.