Greenhouse Operations Lead

About Us

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Greenhouse Operations Lead for the Conversion team in Junction City, KS.

Role Purpose

Supporting the Hybrid Wheat team’s efforts to effectively manage projects as part of the greenhouse and conversion team.  Ensuring timely completion of tasks including data entry, and delivery of materials meeting specifications. Coordinate planning of activities to optimize use of resources; drive continuous operational improvement. Communicate and work to resolve issues within broader operational team. Adherence to all company, state and governmental stewardship and regulatory requirements to maintain our freedom to operate. Critically engage with cross-functional teams to understand and improve our ability to meet targets for quantity, quality and efficiency for greenhouse conversion and crossing projects.  This role will assist other teams on site when needed during peak seasons.

Accountabilities

• Manage team activities: greenhouse planting, sampling, plant growth, pest control, pollination, harvest and drying operations, ensuring seamless track and trace, and minimizing errors
• Lead a team to top performance in all aspects of greenhouse operations; personnel management to include training of Syngenta and 3rd party labor
• Manage strategic projects designed to increase seed amounts and optimize resources to maximize greenhouse utilization.
• Ensure best practice documentation and timely process compliance with established protocols, process metrics and KPIs, including up to date data entry and management of company databases and Team space files
• Report and track cycle success rates, reasons for failure and make any necessary process improvements to ensure consistent cycle success rate in all generations
• Lead team in day-to-day project tracking and management meetings, including identification, troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems, and implementation of OPEX methodology
• Communicate effectively and regularly with peers and supervisors regarding operational, status of projects, work activities, and supply input needs
• Support all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, horticulture, Industrial Systems and Manufacturing Engineering (ISME) or related discipline required.
• Experience with controlled growing environments of agriculture or related crops. 
• Ability to use data to drive decision making.
• Demonstrate ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead teams to accomplish project goals.
• Ability and willingness to work extended hours during critical periods of the growing season and as needed.
• Must possess exceptional communication skills with ability to present to groups outside department.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and driven. Perform tasks with accuracy, precision, and haste.
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Must be proficient with MS Office, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard office software.
• Ability to learn, use, and support proprietary IT systems.

Preferred Requirements

• 3 or more years of project management experience, preferably in the seed or manufacturing Industries.
• Continuous Improvement experience preferred
• Having a solid understanding of plant genetics and crop improvement is highly preferred.
• Have a basic understanding of wheat agronomic practices.

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)

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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.