Regional Automation & Engineering Manager - North America

Role purpose 

• Lead and sets the vision, strategy & direction for the Regional Automation and Engineering Team in the identification and implementation of new phenotyping and automation technologies that drive pipeline effectiveness to accelerate germplasm delivery and provide competitive advantage
• Champion the evaluation, build and deployment of standard, scalable, fit for purpose technology projects while keeping pace with technology cycles delivering productivity gains.
• Support a scouting framework to identify and evaluate novel solutions and potential M&A targets in the areas of technology and automation. 
• Ensure supporting systems and tools are effectively deployed within regions to enable data to flow efficiently through to the end user for effective product advancement decisions.

 
 

Accountabilities

• Leadership & Technology Expertise (40%)
• As a member of the Engineering and Automation Leadership team, co-own the development and implementation of the global technology scouting framework and global technology implementation plan.
• Implement agreed automation and engineering PoCs, pilots and scale-up projects, working closely with the Pipeline Enablement and Field Crop Operations teams.
• Actively scout for relevant technologies and keep abreast of new innovation in the area of automation and engineering technology.
• Establish a global framework that enables rapid upscaling / introduction of new technologies into the operations of the Continuous Nurseries and Field Crops operations that is adapted to local needs.
• Engage Continuous Nurseries and Field Crop operations leads in co-owning capital plans, use-cases and needs assessments, resulting in stronger stakeholder buy-in. 
• Support a KPI system for tracking and managing evolution of delivered projects ensuring smooth handover to Continuous Nurseries and Field Crops operations, and that benefit tracking and ongoing support models are fully implemented 
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of technical experts involved in automation and engineering technology delivery and support, ensuring that they have relevant objectives, their performance is regularly reviewed, and a talent management plan is in place.
• Process Management and Sustainability (40%)
• Ensure effective implementation of standard processes for technology adoption across Seeds
• Development, with a principle focus on the processes associated with the generation of quality seed and the data that drives business decisions.
• Ensure end-to-end solution delivery, including the tools, process and training needs that go along with the implementation of new technology and automation.
• Support the implementation of the Product Owner community for technology solutions, and ensure effective ongoing support is in place.
• Business Improvements (20%)
• Drive continuous improvements and innovation in the delivery and use of automation and
• engineering technologies, including improvements in HSE, cost-effectiveness, speed, accuracy and reliability.
• Ensure the effective development of key skills required within the group, either through training, coaching or selective recruitment.
• Promote sharing of best practice and continue to drive standardization for machinery and other equipment.
• Ensure benefits from the introduction of new technology are tracked and recorded in the appropriate benefits tracking systems.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to lead a team of technical experts with purpose, clarity & impact in a complex, cross cultural, global matrix organization
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals. 
• Drive success in a dispersed organization and through influence. 
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process

Knowledge, experience & capabilities
Critical knowledge

• MSc or equivalent qualification in mechanical or electrical engineering, electronics or automation.
• Sound understating of mechanical or electrical engineering, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, Sensors, GPS, GIS environments and their AG domain applications.
• Working knowledge of standard farm equipment and their manufacturers, automation concepts, process improvements and future trends. 
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost management, and basic accounting principles
• Working experience with Lean ways of working/ Six Sigma-Kaisan, and Agile methodology.

Critical experience

• 10 + years’ experience in a high tech engineering role with experience of implementing automation and robotics solutions, Industry 4.0 solutions and working with Internet connected sensors and equipment (IoT)
• Proven record of building and leading a dispersed team of highly qualified technical experts
• Demonstrated experience and skills in managing projects in a large matrix organization.
• Experience in technical service delivery, 
• Basic to expert working knowledge of R&D workflows and operations 

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to plan and manage organizational change
• Ability to resolve work priorities against resource constraints
• Ability to effectively manage workload.
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Ability to communicate clearly at all organizational levels

Critical leadership capabilities

• These commitments bring our values to life and shape the way we work together.
• Customer success and profitable market share growth guide our decisions
• We work together to deliver – one team, one plan
• We trust and hold each other accountable
• Our people’s development is a priority, they are our competitive advantage
• We encourage people to say what they think and feel to benefit from diverse perspectives
• We give and welcome prompt and actionable feedback
• We constantly raise performance expectations for ourselves and our teams
• We act on performance issues
• We live by our Code of Conduct
• We are energized by our work and celebrate our achievements

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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All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.