Operations Lead - Station Manager

Note:  this position is 100% on site in Naples, FL with approximately 10% travel

Role purpose 
The Operations Lead – Station Manager is responsible for the management of functional and operational activities that occur at the site level which include, but are not limited to the following:
Effectively leading the seeds trialing, nursery, and other Seed Development (SD) functions for the crops at the site to deliver the regional portfolio, and complete in a timely, accurate, and in a cost-effective way.

Developing staff and incorporating leading capabilities and technologies in daily operations to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe, and environmentally sound manner.

Infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance, capital improvements, seeds trialing & operations and quality operations occurring at the site level. 
Oversee the CBRE Representative for site infrastructure work, Site Security, HSE Lead, and administrative functions.

Accountabilities
Work in a team-based environment to effectively manage and deliver site level capabilities that allow delivery against commercial portfolio targets: 
 

Resources

• Own site operational budget: Plan, execute and deliver works slate to defined R&D standards, within allocated budget
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure at site level in alignment with R&D strategy and R&D capital processes
• Define site level resource availability, align resources and work plans according to strategic priorities, and assure that demand and resources are well balances within your station
• Ensure proper functionality and maintenance of site level infrastructure (buildings and equipment)
• Develop and continuously update unit costs for all operational tasks conducted at the site level

Operations

• Ensure proper implementation and timely execution of trialing and nursery operations on site
• Own and optimize trialing and nursery delivery at the site level (Quality, quantity, and timeliness)
• Lead QM and Continuous Improvement 
• Ensure delivery according to plan for all crop activities
• Ensure operational activities at the site are conducted in accordance with company HSE standards
• Facilitate site level alignment meetings and team meetings, including tiered meetings
• Delivery of KPI’s to measure work performed, assess/analyze, and use this information to propose Productivity improvements
• Facilitate for High Throughput Phenotyping and Automation at the station
• HSE and Code of Conduct responsibility for all functions at the site level

People

• Operate in a team setting. Successfully function both as a manager and a mentor
• Line management of the trialing & nursery teams on site (10 direct reports)
• Ensure motivation and engagement of the site community in collaboration with other functions on site.
• Ensure people management processes, people capabilities and succession plans are in place at the site
• Continuous improvement of direct reports through performance management, training, and mentoring.  Recruit and manage seasonal staff.
• Coach to release creativity and innovation:  Coach people to connect across functions and boundaries to spark innovation
• Set direction
• Prioritize actions and ensure appropriate support and resource
• Communicate inspirationally:  Gain commitment of key stakeholders in a compelling way and help see how objectives are aligned to company strategy and add value
• Drive results
• Skilfully plan, organize, and monitor performance against deadlines. Sense and adapt to the changing environment to achieve excellence in delivery 
• Step beyond comfort zones:  Manage risk and able to work with uncertainty
• Focus energy on must-wins:  Make tough decisions

Reporting / Communication

• Ensure transparency and cross-site communications regarding site operational efficiencies and best practices
• Responsible for reporting operational status updates and KPIs for trialing and nursery operations at the site

Success factors & key challenges

• Strong leadership skills with a history of getting things done in a complex operational environment
• Management and demonstrated success delivering portfolio on budget
• Demonstrated ability to network across functions
• Excellent organization and computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to lead a team of cross-functional technical experts to develop and own an aligned plan
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals 
• Work Ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovativeness  

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• 5 + years of experience in the agronomy or agriculture industry (seeds experience is a plus)
• Degree in agronomy or biology; post-graduate qualification preferred
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support
• Sound understating of agriculture/agronomy, plant breeding, crop management and breeding principles, logistics, operations, automation, seed physiology and modelling and planning tools.
• Thorough understanding of R&D processes, workflows and operations with knowledge of how to identify the critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problems
• Knowledge of Syngenta functions supporting R&D, and those systems relevant for portfolio / project management and finance a plus
• Knowledge of activity-based costing and basic accounting principles; ability to estimate financial impacts of plan scenarios
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process 
• Proven record of leading a dispersed team of highly qualified technical experts in a matrixed reporting environment; ability to plan and manage organizational change
• Sound understanding of commercial and business needs
• Planning, modelling, and manufacturing environment experience
• Ability to develop dashboards to report progress against metrics and KPIs
• Ability to think and plan strategically; establish priorities and oversee multiple research activities simultaneously at peak work periods
• Ability to communicate clearly at all organizational levels

Nice to haves:

• Knowledge of functions that support R&D, and those systems relevant for portfolio / project management and finance a plus
• Working experience with Lean ways of working/Lean Six Sigma, and Agile methodology.

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) 
(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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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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.