Process Improvement Lead

About Us
At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Operations Team is currently seeking a process improvement lead, to be located in Slater, Iowa
 
Role Purpose

• Develop manufacturing processes for Syngenta seeds processing (from raw to finished product) encompassing a wider plant portfolio including business processes / plant development and compliance systems.
• Provide process engineering expertise for the designed manufacturing facilities (i.e. Troubleshooting of problems associated with manufacturing processes), with a clear focus on safety, capacity, flexibility, cost and quality.
• Identifies solutions to increase manufacturing capacity, improve quality and/or reduce manufacturing costs at seeds production sites.
• Promotes continuous improvement culture (PDCA) Identifying, collecting, and implementing continuous improvements ideas.
• Apply advanced methodologies in problem solving where needed (LSS, FMEA, RCA, TPM,..)
• Is confident in data management and KPI usage - supports decision taking through comprehensive data analysis (control charts, Pareto charts,  ..),
• Support the execution of projects at the site, both as project manager designated (from project concept to installation) or startup leader (from installation to commissioning & qualification phases).
• Build a network with internal and external manufacturing sites, to share good practices & learnings (new industrial tools, equipment, continuous improvement).

Accountabilities

• Monitoring daily process in term of performance & efficiencies, investigate operational problems affecting production (quality issues like germination issues, sizing issues,) and manage corrective deviations. Generate a technical development plan focused on process improvements (PDCA) and robustness opportunities. Control of progression of the plans according to expected results & clear KPIs.
• Leads the new product introduction process, supporting organization of production   start-up, defining the new standards where needed.
• Provides instruction and trains operational staff.
• Leads Kaizen workshop
• Improves existing operations bringing in new methods, processes, and technologies (define scope, evaluate technologies options, lead PRA process risk assessments, time study and manage projects implementation).
• Generates the process definition in seeds capital projects, including process plant design and equipment evaluation and specification, with a focus on supporting the business and financial analysis.
• Connects with lab teams and process experts / field production team in troubleshooting quality compliances/ non-conformities.
• Understands physical (materials) and logical flows from field to Finished Good (E2E approach)

Critical knowledge

• Typically, 5 years of experience in industry, whether in process development or in a production environment or associated support functions.
• Demonstrated understanding of chemical / biological / industrial process hazards.
• Capability to manage a project (project management skills)
• Track records of applying process engineering principles.
• Analytical skills for troubleshooting designs not working as planned, asking the right questions, and finding answers that work
• Interpersonal skills in developing positive working relationships with other employees working with the production process
• Math skills for using the principals of advanced math topics including troubleshooting their work, calculus for analysis and design

Critical experience

• University degree (BS min or equivalent) in process, chemistry, chemical / industrial engineering / biology / agronomy / food science.
• Demonstrates experience in or operational manufacturing role .
• Languages: Local language + English (written, spoken) is a must
• Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities
• The jobholder should be able to work largely independently under minimum supervision with ability to influence personal without formal authority line.
• The successful applicant will be working as part of a closely integrated and flexible team and therefore will be expected to demonstrate flexibility, willingness to help others and the motivation to work towards team goals.
• The jobholder should set him/herself high personal standards for housekeeping, safety and compliance to HSE and Quality standards.
• Innovations
• Employee may, as part of his/her role and maybe through multifunctional teams, participates in the creation and design of innovative solutions. In this context, Employee may contribute to inventions, designs, other work product, including know-how, copyrights, software, innovations, solutions, and other intellectual assets.

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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Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.