Innovation Product Owner

We are seeking a talented and innovative engineer to join our vegetables R&D team at Syngenta to drive the development of a phenomics and automation portfolio for vegetables seeds development. In this role, you will lead and manage internal and external collaborations, as well as leverage own technical capabilities in the domains of imaging and sensing technologies, computer vision, IoT, machine learning and AI, to deliver end to end technological solutions based on vegetables seeds development strategy & priorities.

Accountabilities

• Ownership of technical delivery of vegetables phenomics and automation projects.
• Actively scout and assess relevant technologies and potential partners in close alignment with global phenomics and automation deployment lead.
• Strong interaction and alignment with Syngenta software development, IT, digital and data science teams to design and apply end-to-end solutions to meet business needs, technology process ownership and excellence in their implementation and delivery.
• Leading collaborations with cross functional project teams including third party vendors and in-house functions.
• Project management of PoC and pilot stages, hand-over to global deployment lead for scaling.
• Direct contribution within technical area/s of expertise (e.g. IoT, software development, machine learning, sensing technologies, dashboard development, hardware and/or user-interface).
• Keeping abreast with external innovation, through leadership in areas of accountability and active membership in relevant global network of experts within Syngenta, Academia, and Ag-tech industry.

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fiber, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources. 

Syngenta Seeds, a leading developer and producer of Field Crops, -Vegetable, - and Flower Seeds, is part of Syngenta Group. We bring farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

Critical Knowledge

• Master's or PhD in Engineering or other related field to phenomics or automation.
• Strong background in imaging/sensing technologies, computer vision, IoT, machine learning and/or AI.
• Familiarity with R&D workflows and operations.

Critical Experience

• 3+ years of work experience in engineering and project management.
• Experience working in digital innovation with a customer-centric approach.
• Track record of delivering within complex projects and multidisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals.

Desired Knowledge and Experience

• Work experience or familiarity with seeds R&D or Ag domain industry.
• Technology and partnerships assessment and scouting.
• Experience of working with third party specialist companies and contract management experience.

Critical Technical, Professional and Personal Capabilities

• Collaborative work style.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate requirements into technical design.
• Strong communication skills.
• Prioritization against resource constraints.
• Effective workload management.
• Strategic and critical thinking.
• Agility: Sense and adapt to fast-paced work environment.
• Stepping beyond comfort zone and risk management.
• Focus energy on must-wins: Make tough decisions.
• Versatility: Expertise/experience across multiple technical domains.
• Strong self-learning capabilities.
• Project managemnent and planning.

• Location: Enkhuizen (Netherlands), El Ejido (Spain), Durham (US) or Gedera area (Israel)
• Travels: within region and internationally up to 20%

Take your Chance!

• A culture that promotes work/life balance and celebrates diversity.
• Possibility of being part of our #FutureOfWorkPolicy: 3 days at home, 2 at the office.
• Extensive benefits package including a pension plan scheme, bonus, life insurance & a pool of flexible benefits to choose (Ticket Restaurant, WellHub, etc.)
• A role that contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• Learning culture and a wide range of development options, including access to learning platforms (Degreed and LinkedIn Learning)

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.