North America Soy Trait Introgression Operations Manager

The North America Soy Trait Introgression Operations Manager (NA-Soy TIM) will lead and manage a team of scientist and research associates targeting conversion of soybean lines from early-stage breeding that are handed off to product placement through the Applied Genetics Organization.

The NA-Soy TIM will lead the conversion pipeline at the new Malta, IL R&D site including greenhouses and labs developing protocols targeting on-time delivery that meet quality metrics of completed soybean trait conversions.

In addition, the NA-Soy TIM will pilot adoption of innovative practices to drive continuous improvement in breeding process timelines, conversion quality, and final seed hand-off. The NA Soy TIM collaborates with other Applied Genetics and Data Analytics Scientist to implement new data analytics, operational protocols, and phenotyping techniques for improved delivery. 

Accountabilities:

• Accountable for delivering the North American (NA) Soybean TI pipeline according to defined deadlines and conditions as well as high level overarching protocols.  Lead, coach and developed highly skilled team members including research associates and scientists. Develop site specific protocols and procedures as well as a QMS (quality management system) culture to ensure the highest seed quality and timely delivery.
• Responsible for effective functional planning of NA Soybean TI projects in Malta to ensure efficient operations (e.g. workload levelling and space utilization), capital planning, and delivery. Identify key productivity savings by challenging current protocols and processes targeting improvements in capacity and handoff timelines
• Implement OpEx principles, metrics, and KPIs monitoring system to continuously track and improve the end-to-end TI process, promoting a culture of continuous improvement among all employees at the Malta site.
• Implement best IPM (integrated pest management) practices and nutrition programs to deliver high quality seed as well as to ensure proper  (WPS) workers protection standards compliance. 
• Forecast resources needed to execute the workload including but not limited to permanent and 3rd party staff, inventories and necessary employees training. Responsible for the proper management of budget and budget forecast in accordance with company guides.
• Speed up key product concepts through the pipeline with critical traits reducing time to market and adding genetic gain based on new analytics and experimental designs. In collaboration with Data Analytics, Data Scientists, and Seeds Research teams deploy new experimental designs, molecular marker strategies, and novel algorithms for advancing materials through the Soy TI Pipeline to assist in speeding up the commercialization of new products 
• Follow all stewardship and regulatory guidelines for new product launches and trialing requirements. Serve as a key contact with breeding, product placement, and commercial teams regarding proposed new product launch timelines and feasibility 
• Manage operations and facilities to comply with all Syngenta HSE and Stewardship standards to ensure safe operations and to foster a safety culture among all employees. 
• Must adhere to all company, state and governmental stewardship and regulatory requirements to maintain our freedom to operate (FTO)

Required:

• 7+ year’s research and development experience in plant molecular breeding, germplasm management, and/or trait introgression with soybean
• Proven leadership experience, talent recruitment, strategy and personnel development, performance management and ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in TI in a field environment and/or controlled environment. Knowledge of GM trait conversion and their respective testing in corn, soybean or other row crops
• Project management experience and demonstrated ability to deliver data analysis and meet timelines for results from promotion/advancement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals. 
• Effective interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills are required. Experience with monitoring KPIs and data through Power-BI or other visualization software is desirable 

Required Knowledge & Capabilities:

• Agility and willingness to change plans and think outside the box to solve problems and meet critical delivery timelines
• Knowledge and experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and quality control 
• Knowledge and experience in methods of plant breeding (selfed crops), plant breeding theory, genetics, and utilization of molecular markers in trait introgression to track conversion quality    
• Knowledge of soybean germplasm and their respective crossing methods

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
• Syngenta offers paid vacation plus 9 Company Holidays per calendar year.
• 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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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.