Genetic Purity Operations Lead

About Us 
We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. 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 Vegetables Production and Supply team is currently seeking a Genetics Purity Operations Lead in Nampa, ID. 
You will help shape the future of agriculture by: 

• Managing all day-to-day seed testing operations and data review for the Vegetable Genetic Purity Quality Control (QC) Laboratories and ensuring that all testing is completed on-time to meet sales demand.  
• Leading and coaching a team of dedicated employees in QC testing. 
• Developing and optimizing the people capability and asset base within the team in line with the QC strategy in close collaboration with Americas QC lead and other members of the QC leadership team.  Driving continuous improvement of quality processes through implementation of new test methods and automation solutions in collaboration with QC development, as well as, through identification of best practices across the global network of QC laboratories.  
• Ensuring that all prescribed testing methods and result reporting meets company quality standards and are in compliance with state, federal and international seed regulatory requirements
• Having 25% accountability to the QC Development Purity and Physiology team to support global genetic purity initiatives. This include conducting projects that envisions validation, harmonization and scalability. 
• Troubleshooting in laboratory work environment.  You will partner with global regions and diverse colleagues in allied technical and commercial functions to find effective solutions and drive continuous improvements for the benefit of our colleagues, the business, and our customers
   

Accountabilities

• Ensure full compliance on HSE, quality and security standards. Secure a safe and healthy work environment and process execution at all places according to Syngenta HSE standards
• Ensure on-time delivery of quality control test results from genetic purity testing laboratories
• Coordinate and oversee the planning and execution of genetic purity field grow outs for vegetable seed in the Americas. 
• Manage technical issues with third party testing vendors for genetic purity and stewardship quality control testing. Direct the analysis, communication and approvals for validations, test options, data interpretation, and reporting as well as new test development. 
• People management; coach and lead teams and employees, stimulate development of people through education, training and exchange, and recruit, motivate and assess performance of staff
• Continuously improve operational processes. Collaborate across the Nampa lab, as well as, with the global QC development teams and the global network of QC laboratories to drive process improvement and adoption of automation solutions, new test methods, and best practices.
• Provide trouble-shooting and testing support to the genetic purity team, as well as, to adjacent functions
• Responsible for departmental budget preparations and align with the approved budget during the year. Provide inputs on continuous improvement in efficiency
• Have adequate resources available for achieving optimal execution and planning of quality testing
• Participate in QC leadership team to develop and implement QC strategies and have focus on the end-to-end business results
• Participate in global QC networks
• Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory accreditations to facilitate international seed movement and serve as a representative in relevant seed testing organizations (e.g. AOSA, ISTA)
• Work in conjunction with the global QC development team, and QC technical experts to develop and validate internal testing protocols.
• Secure a timely execution of all maintenance and sustenance programs together and based upon maintenance reports and capacity demands provide inputs of investments needed in your labs

Requirements 

• A MSC in a relevant field is preferred, but applicants with B.S. degree and commensurate experience will be considered; relevant fields of study include molecular biology, genetics, plant biology, plant physiology, seed science, agronomy, horticulture, and other related fields
• Registered Genetic Technologist or willingness and ability to become certified
• Experience with managing a large, multicultural team
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft office suite
• Experience with SAP preferred
• Experience with Lean Laboratory principles 
• Knowledge of National and International Seed Laws and Quality Standards
• Experience in an international work environment; ability and passion to engage with diverse culture and work habits
• Understanding of quality management systems (e.g. ISO)
• Good knowledge of trait purity testing methods and technologies including SQC testing herbicide bioassay, flow cytometry and SNP
• Understanding quality control laboratory management practices
• Individual must be authorized to work in the United States for Syngenta without work authorization sponsorship now or in the future.  

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 
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 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) 
 
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About Syngenta 
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. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.