Research Program Manager

The role is responsible for dynamically aligning program strategy with business and technology needs in a dynamic trait, technology, and LTO/FTO landscape

• Appropriately and effectively collects and clarifies direction from key stakeholders to set overall program strategy and priorities
• Assembling and aligning overall program strategy with constituent strategies of the program (e.g., technical, collaboration, strategic partnering, portfolio, LTO/FTO, etc.)
• Ensuring that quality (SMART) goals, milestones, and objectives are in place for program and its projects
• Monitoring progress of the program and its constituent projects against milestones, resource use, and driving metric-based project and program decisions
• Ensures transparent communication on status of program progress, risk and its management, and resource use to key stakeholders and governance teams
• Applying sound program management principles to drive, prioritization, adjustment, and delivery of the research program
• Stimulating cross-program and project collaboration
• Working across program, project, and functions to resolve resource conflicts and issues impeding program and project delivery
• Supports operational excellence through application of robust project management principles in accordance with Global R&D processes and sharing of best practices.
• Coordination and management of stage gate progressions

• Thorough understanding of Seeds R&D and business strategies pertinent to program
• Working knowledge of science areas relevant to program
• Program management principles and ways of working to deliver program goals in a matrixed organization and dynamic technical and LTO/FTO environment
• Proficient in use of Syngenta planning processes and tools
• Working knowledge of Seeds organization to enable networking and resource leveraging, and collect critical inputs to program direction
• Clear understanding of Syngenta R&D governance structure and processes

Critical experience

• Minimum of 5-year experience working in agricultural biotechnology
• Experience working in global research and development environments
• Demonstrated ability to deliver programs or projects across functional boundaries
• Demonstrated soft skill to manage a wide diversity of stakeholders
• Demonstrated effective communication and presentation skills
• Resource planning, analysis, and management
• Ability to direct risk analysis and management
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and timely manage and influence stakeholders

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certified or preparing for certification
• Demonstrated ability of working in cross-functional (management) teams
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in international and multidisciplinary programs environment
• Soft skills to create program environments that foster collaboration and constructive challenge

• A platform with a combination of a booming agricultural industry in China domestic market and global resources and exposure, where you can fully develop your potential
• A culture that promotes Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Competitive annual base salary (ABS) and short-term incentive (STI) plans
• Standard social benefits and housing fund package according to Chinese government policies, plus supplementary medical insurance 
• Minimum of 15 days annual leave, and up to 20 days, contingent upon the service years, and 12 days of paid sick leave per year
• Mobility assistance provided from overseas to China

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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.