Operational Support Manager

Role purpose

• To provide Syngenta Flowers in Gilroy with an onsite management capability responsible for site wide comprehensive HSE incident management and advice, together with prioritization and task/line management of Operational Growing Teams and Facility resources
• To manage activities in compliance with site, company and regulatory requirements, e.g. Safety Instructions, HSE policy and standards , training requirements, environmental permitting, waste disposal, risk management, fire protection, emergency response, and other duties as appropriate.

Accountabilities

Manage Operational Growing Teams and Facility resources

• Provide daily support to the Technical Improvement Project Manager and the Market Segment Lead to implement operational changes with the Operational Teams
• Manage with the Greenhouse Maintenance Lead the Facility resources needed for site wide repairs and improvement.

Manage environmental programs

• Manage compliance with any California required permitting
• Compile and submit any required reports including SARA inventory, Syngenta annual letter of assurance and SERAM reporting, specific CA requirements ( IIPP, Hazardous Materials Business Plan, Farm Water Quality Management Plan 
• Oversee the site Waste Minimization plan and waste disposal practices per regional and State requirements

Coordinate all aspects of the site HSES programs:

• Participate on  the site safety teams and as a member of the site management teams
• Local, regional, global, State and Federal HSES related reporting

• Manage new employee/contractor HSE training
• Work closely with 3rd party contractor onsite.
• Manage and ensure all other required HSES related training for the site including respiratory, Greenhouse Safety, confined space, lockout/tag out, forklift operations as examples
• Development of management systems to afford compliance with current and proposed regulations as well as Syngenta requirements
• Manage and maintain local accident investigation/reporting processes and related training and include involvement of line management when incidents occur
• Represent the site on the regional HSES Team for Flowers
• Ensure that required IH monitoring for the site is completed as required including but not limited to respiratory fit testing, flex hood monitoring, and ergonomics assessments
• Ensure HSE review for any equipment move or installation is implemented and recorded
• Assist Security Officer with the implementation and compliance of security policies

Manage site emergency response program:

• Lead and train the site spill response team
• Maintain emergency response program for the site including keeping all information up to date

• Represent Syngenta on the Local  Emergency Planning Committee if applicable

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Manage HSES programs as critical business components with tin the many disparate groups on the Gilroy site; R&D, Supply Chain & Commercial.
• Promotion and communication of HSE issues, information, good practice and raising of standards
• Proactive task management
• Prioritization of activities on site and task manage breakdown activities and personnel to maximize site efficiency
• Proactive management and accountability of activities on site– incident management, primary contact for all external enquiries and other related activities.

Requirements

Critical knowledge

• Degree or minimum 3-5 years experience in Safety, Science or related Technical discipline
• Knowledge of Federal and State HSES related regulations Fundamentals of HSES program development and management including working through others to achieve critical goals
• Knowledge and experience with Cal OSHA and EPA
• Leading with influence and people management in a reorganizational environment

Critical experience

• At minimum 3 years operational experience in industrial production and/or laboratories
• Functional knowledge of HSES management systems, data needs, and reporting requirements
• At minimum 3 years experience of  HSES management with proven track record of delivery
• Supervisory experience preferred but not essential
• Line management experience
• Spanish language a plus

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Organizational skills needed to develop and direct local HSES programs
• Ability to interact a multiple levels throughout the Gilroy site organization
• Act as Site Representative externally – from dealing with a phone call from a member of the public to liaising with Emergency Services and/or regulatory bodies during an incident
• Proactively task manage a range of functional groups, drive standards and coach behaviors.
• Operate effectively under pressure
• Demonstrate strong leadership behaviors
• Recognize when additional support is required / appropriate and request it.
• Coach continuous improvement, share learning and promote best practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to work days, evenings and weekends
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including phone, fax, copier and computer

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 70%of work performed in standard office
• 20% of work performed associated around the site environment 
• 10% of work performed associated with traveling 
• General office environment
• Computer usage for extended periods of time
• Heavy phone usage including teleconferences

OTHER:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Two years current position preferred for internals.  Candidates who have been in their current position a minimum of one year will be considered if they have the approval of their current business unit leader and hiring business unit leader.

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
• Generous Vacation Policy plus 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• Salary Range: $76,000 - $95,000
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

Work Level:  4B

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Syngenta Flowers North America

Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally.

Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.

Syngenta Flowers has garnered more than 35 international awards for introducing hybrid annuals to the world, including such garden mainstays as Calliope® Interspecific Geraniums, Diabunda™ Dianthus, Endurio™ Violas, Sparkler™ Cleome, and Magellan™ Zinnias.

We are currently seeking an Operational Support Manager for our team based in Gilroy, California.   

https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/about-us