Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist

As the Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist, you will create and maintain a balanced Seed Development Crop supply plan across a defined group of assets to optimise customer service, cost, and site performance, whilst managing uncertainty and risk.

You will establish a network across which you facilitate smooth partnerships and interfaces to proactively manage all planning related issues for your crop and region, anticipating constraints and working with supply and demand owners to develop scenarios to minimise risks.  

Accountabilities

• Maintain the end-to-end (summer and winter season) overall supply/demand balance over a 2-year tactical horizon through the creation of supply plans which balance customer service, cost and site functional capacities (including Trait development, Trait Introgression, Doubled Haploid, Nursery and Trial activities)
• Act as the primary contact for all Crop Supply Plan enquiries from the Portfolio team, site planners, Global Continuous Nursery coordinators and other key stakeholders, managing amendments / imbalances in the plans caused by forecast changes and/or production problems to preserve the original customer promise date
• Work with the Market Segment Teams, Traits & Trialing teams to manage any demand / supply changes via agreed change control process to ensure implications of changes are understood before decisions are made
• Act as the key contact for all planning related issues associated with that crop, leveraging the agreed governance model as required and ensuring approval by stakeholders, especially if needed additional resources
• Anticipate future supply constraints and develop scenarios for their resolution
• Work with the PPP Head and local site/functional managers to optimize site assets and resources
• Active participation in the existing Market Segment Team structures to ensure transparency for what is happening with the crop and create the opportunity for an early exchange of ideas to address any issues or risks to the plan
• Ensure operational planning master data is accurate in the planning systems to help facilitate accurate plans
• Measure, track, improve and communicate crop performance via the tiered meeting structure and through globally consistent & aligned Operational KPI’s, including tracking of trialling writing
•  Active participation in the Planning Community of Practice to share ideas and drive continuous improvement mindset

• Bachelor’s Degree is required
• A background and experience in project management and change management
• Strong data science capabilities, with a demonstrated understanding of complex data analysis in a global R&D
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and operate “fit for purpose” processes and tools, such as the new Operational Planning Tool (OPT), Power BI and Smartsheet
• Experience / deep understanding of breeding pipeline and processes
• Experience / deep understanding of Seeds Development operational activities
• Experience working in international and multidisciplinary project team environments
• Excellent Communication skills in English and other relevant languages
• Proven track record of planning and influencing key stakeholders across business-critical activities
• Proficient with project, portfolio, resource, and finance management technology
• Demonstrated ability to deliver under pressure while working through ambiguous projects

Syngenta will offer

• A commitment to innovation
• Leading edge technology
• Competitive salary and benefits scheme including bonus, healthcare & generous pension
• Flexible working hours
• 31.5 days annual holiday
• Vibrant R&D focused workforce with wide and varied social communities to join

We embrace and encourage diversity, and this is what drives our innovation and lets us outperform the market. https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

About Syngenta

Syngenta is leading science-based ag-tech company; 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.