Project and Portfolio Management Operations Platform Lead

Purpose of the role:

Working as member of the Crop Protection Development Project and Portfolio Management Operations (PPM Ops) team, the PPM Ops Platform Lead is accountable for our Planisware-based Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) Platform. The PPM Ops team collaborates across Syngenta R&D (and other) functions to enable data-based decision making for efficient development of Crop Protection products that optimally meet growers’ needs.

Accountabilities:

• Owns the continuous development of the PPM platform in line with the long-term vision/strategy and user needs using cutting-edge technology including Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models as well as technical integration of data and data products from diverse functions and the opportunities this may provide to Syngenta.
• Understands the broader business context and use of the information derived from the systems related to PPM, its users and use this knowledge to provide appropriate, fit for purpose, solutions through implementations of improvements/changes/fixes to the PPM Platform along with the support team.
• Ensures that any changes to the platform are compliant with audit process and security rules and compatible with data integrity, data processing and maintenance of project and portfolio attributes / metadata in the tool, including interfaces to other Syngenta systems (e.g. RefData, PRISM, BITS, On Track, etc.).
• Ensures consistent high level of functionality, data integrity, availability, reliability, and performance of the platform, and creation of quality, FAIR data, responsibly shared with the organization for insights and value creation.
• Manages the operational development (DevOps) of the platform [change requests, user stories, coordination with the Operational Board for backlog prioritization, UATs (User Acceptance Tests) and deployment], ensuring quality of technical solutions to address user stories, backlog, and the sprint deliveries along with the support team and the Operational Board.
• Supports Functional Trainers with knowledge and identification of opportunities for training, as consequence of a deep understanding of users’ needs and involvement on the reasons behind the changes in the tool, to maximize the delivery of business needs.
• Works in partnership with PPM Digital & Analytics team, Project Management, Portfolio Management teams and other stakeholders to adapt the tool and data model to develop and implement automation and AI-enabled features, aiming at increased user friendliness, productivity, and data quality for the users.
• Monitors and follows-up with the support team to resolve incidents and user requests related to the PPM Platform (including user creation) and provides support to users on both tool and data managed in the PPM Platform.

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter the threats to our crops and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland. 

• Degree in Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration or a closely related field that could provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Fluent English Speaker.
• 5+ years experience with the management and/or development of Planisware PPM Tool, including E7.
• IT Skills: technical proficiency with Project and Portfolio Management tool development is necessary with focus on those relevant to Planisware development.
• Having worked under the DevOps model.
• Good understanding of Project and Portfolio Management fundamentals, principles, and objectives.
• High competence in general IT area especially MS office 365, VBA etc.
• Able to relate technical areas to non-technical users and understand their needs in the context of the business and their local drivers.
• High attention to detail and thoroughness required.
• Independent working as part of a close-knit team.
• Communication skills oral / written / electronic: communicates context specific by using the correct means and media. Ensures basic project communication needs are met via key project document, efficient project team meetings, and electronic mail.
• Desirable experience of working within R&D in life sciences company, especially on Project Management.
• Desirable knowledge on AI-enhanced tools.
• Additional experience as data analyst and reporting specialist, as well as SQL and python skills is preferred.

We look forward to receiving your online application including all relevant documents (cover letter, CV, certificates and diploma).

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.