Operations Specialist- Yield Accelerator

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 an Operations Specialist- Yield Accelerator for the Vegetable Seeds Development Operations team in Stanton, Minnesota.

Role Purpose

Manage the Yield Accelerator (YA), a small scale food processing facility, used for Large Seed Veg (LSV) high throughput phenotyping of research, pre-commercial, and commercial products. The candidate will manage all Vegetable personnel and field activities at the Syngenta Research Station in Stanton, MN. 

This includes optimizing existing processes, cultural practices, and introducing new technologies for the management of the end to end process in a way that is relevant and current with industry practices. The candidate will also engage with PDS and PR commercial team to develop pre-commercial and commercial strategy relating to PLC5+ canned samples.  They will also represent customer perspective, especially the plant manager component, on processing characteristics of our pipeline in advancement meetings, with internal team, and in customer facing engagements.

Accountabilities

• Ensure that the operation of the Yield Accelerator Facility and all LSV sample processing activities are aligned with industry standards.
• Co-develop strategy to leverage YAF data and capabilities to drive increased customer interaction and promote NPIs
• Engage in customer facing activities and represent the processing plant manager perspective and priorities (i.e. Syngenta’s finished goods expert) in conjunction with the commercial processor teams
• Participate as key member of all processing Territory Commercial Units and key contributor to the Global Crop Unit
• Engaged and aligned with germplasm development to develop research and process-improvement projects related to the growing and breeding of improved LSV varieties. 
• Directly manage the vegetable field-agronomy program, with responsibilities for planning, planting, growing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, equipment maintenance, and complete in a timely, accurate, and in a cost effective way.
• Deliver data for KPI metrics of operations in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain cooperator and vendor relationships.
• Lead and execute continuous improvement projects within vegetable processing to drive efficiencies and cost savings to the business.
• Maintain all process equipment within the Yield Accelerator Facility and Planting/Harvest equipment.
• Incorporate leading capabilities and technologies into daily operations in order to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe and environmentally sound manner.
• Manage infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance, capital improvements, seeds trialing & operations and quality operations occurring at the site level.
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of Syngenta employees and 3rd party labor.
• Function as an integral member of the site Operations Team by participating in all in-scope activities, including agronomic activities, maintenance of equipment and facilities, documentation, and training.
• Perform all tasks in a manner compliant with company safety policies, including completing all required training sessions and attending local safety meetings.
• Accountable for Daily process record review.
• Effectively communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of trials, projects and work activities.

Critical Success Factors & Key Challenges -

• Flexibility and resourcefulness in a fast paced, team-oriented work environment.
• A demonstrated work ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovation.
• Ability to work both independently and in team situations.
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process
• Strong communication skills.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

Critical knowledge

• BS degree in agricultural, plant science, or food science.
• 3 + years of experience

Critical experience

• Experience in farming or management of research field operations.

• Experience in agricultural research.
• Experience within a food processing facility (Thermal Processing).
• Vegetable experience is highly desired.

Critical capabilities

• Ability to use MS Office tools, especially Word and Excel, and proprietary company software.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
• Ability to acquire FDA Better Process School certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess 2nd class B or higher MN Boiler License or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Experience with Precision Ag equipment.
• Must have strong mechanical and trouble shooting skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Class A CDL with air brakes license within one year of hire.
• Must be available for unscheduled work based on field conditions and weather (including weekends).

Additional Information

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA without visa support
• A minimum of two years in current position is required (internal applicants only).
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse, capable of lifting to 50 pounds, capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the research cycle.
• WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Domestic travel required with occasional overnight stays. Travel outside continental U.S. may be required. Potential allergens, pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

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
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 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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Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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.