Manager- clean plant production

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 Manager for clean plant production for our Production and Supply Operations team in Gilroy, California. 
As an Manager for clean plant production, you will Lead and manage the Starter Material activities (Elite Growing, Tissue Culture, Pathology and Shipment) in Gilroy to ensure quality on time and in full (QUOTIF) delivery of Starter Materials to our production farms and licensing partners.  

Accountabilities 

• Establish, lead and manage our local Starter Material team to deliver stong performance in support of the business targets.
• QOTIF delivery of Starter Materials (SEE, EE, Pre-candidate, TC) to our Production farms and licensing partners globally
• Manage the Starter Material teams to ensure high quality performance of Elite Growing, Tissue Culture and Pathology activities.
• Ensure Starter Material activities are executed according to schedule, requirements and within agreed budgets and deadlines
• Accountable for the local planning of the Starter Material activities in close collaboration with the Global Starter Material Manager and other relevant stakeholders 
• Establish, manage and implement Scouting and Pest management programs to eliminate insects, diseases, and viruses in Elite Growing
• Ensure all HSES and Phytosanitary standards and protocols are implemented, followed, and enforced
• Manage the planning, assignment, and scheduling of the weekly tasks of Elite Growing, Tissue Culture and Pathology based on the business priorities and the overall planning of delivery requests.
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders (i.e. breeders, scientists, farm planners, lab services, and growing teams) about the status of supply requests and the adjustments of production plans 
• Pro-active handling of any issues risking the delay or lack of supply in Starter Materials.
• Participate in knowledge exchange with other relevant specialists on how to improve Elite Growing, Tissue Culture, Pathology and Shipment.
• Organize and lead regular team meetings to establish strong team work (mutual learning) and ownership with the individual team members.
• Work with the R&D Station Manager to prioritize projects, improve workflow processes, and evaluate performance productivity to determine opportunities for efficiency, quality and performance improvement.
• Utilize IS tools (e.g. Kikker, Smartsheet, TimeReg, TC database, PMD, Elitair) to plan, execute, monitor and report progress of Starter Material activities.
• Manage the inventory and purchase of supplies required for Starter Material activities in close collaboration with our Procurement team
• People management and the development of team members into their maximum potential
• Submit and approve weekly payroll for hourly and non-exempt employees
• Manage hours in the Time Registration tool for team members, ensuring the data is current and accurate
• Pro-actively support and contribute to the overall performance and development of the Gilroy R&D organization as a member of the local R&D management team. 
• Perform additional assigned tasks as needed in support of Gilroy R&D activities

Requirements
Critical knowledge

• MSC degree in Horticulture or closely related field
• Expertise and knowledge of greenhouse operations, tissue culture operations, plant pathology, phytosanitary standards and regulatory and certification processes in horticulture

Critical experience

• At least 3 years of management experience leading teams
• At least 5 years of relevant growing, breeding, trialing, or horticultural work experience in complex greenhouse environments
• Familiarity with the NAKT and Global GAP certification processes

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Mindset for continuous improvements in crop quality and efficiency
• Outstanding team player with focus on developing people 
• Ability to identify problems and propose solutions
• Well organized and highly structured way of working
• Attitude to quickly respond to internal and external requests
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal), Spanish language skills preferred
• Excellent understanding of critical success factors in starter material and mindset to deliver against industry standards (i.e. NAKT certification). In particular phytosanitary standards.
• Ability to translate technical information and train staff to implement diligently
• Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, Power Point, etc.)

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, gender identity, 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) 

Apply To: https://syngenta.taleo.net/careersection/unitedstates/jobdetail.ftl?job=18044747&tz=GMT-05%3A00 

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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.