Science Strategy & Operations Lead

Role purpose

• The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Chief Soil Scientist (CSS) to help develop, implement, and manage our global soil health strategy. You will be a key player connecting the CSS and soil science-related projects, programs, and activities across business units and regions, and with external academic, industry and NGO partners.
• In this role, you support the CSS in developing, communicating, and implementing scientific strategy across the Syngenta Group. You optimize the CSS’s ability for effective engagement with scientists, managers, and external partners. This includes leading in the development of internal science communications, monitoring and tracking projects and outcomes, coordinating preparation of materials to communicate soil science and business strategy and ensuring the CSS has all the information and resources he needs to effectively serve as a global ambassador for Syngenta across the organization, our partners, and beyond.

Accountabilities

• Assist the CSS with the design, implementation, and management of a long-term strategic plan and connect science-related work streams relevant across the entire global Syngenta group and beyond.
• Learn to proactively anticipate the Chief Scientist’s needs, follow through on key decisions, document and communicate action items, and keep him appropriately informed on developments and outcomes.
• Serve as the key point person for implementation of the soil strategy across the organization, encompassing multiple programs and coordinating the work of multiple project teams or professionals both inside and outside the organization.
• Assist the design and development of soil science facilities, field sites, and infrastructure.
• Assist the CSS in coordinating critical priorities, including serving as a strategic advisor and counsel and assuming day-to-day responsibility for assigned projects and tasks.
• Assist the CSS in providing input and guidance to leaders throughout the organization to develop a clear understanding of what each business unit and region can contribute to soil health strategy, how the plan can in turn support their efforts, and how science can accelerate our progress. This may include serving on or participating in selected organizational committees and working groups to represent soil science issues our perspective.
• Assist communications teams in developing science-based internal and external communications and updates.
• Fostering the development of a collaborative and supportive team and culture within the soil science function.
• May require travel both domestically and internationally and occasional work in variable weather conditions at field sites

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience, including working at a senior level.
• Experience in project management, coordinating multiple projects, setting realistic deadlines, and managing timelines for multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in developing programmatic strategies.
• Experience monitoring, tracking, and reporting on program and project outcomes.
• Experience using Microsoft software suite, project management systems, and wrangling, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Experience partnering with leadership in a large organization and strategically navigating complex internal dynamics.

Preferred Requirements

• Soil science (or related) background and/or experience working in a science-based organization strongly preferred.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Well-organized and self-directed, with excellent time and task management skills.
• Strongly collaborative and a good relationship-builder, with exceptional diplomatic skills and a proven track record of gaining influence without authority to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Discretion and excellent judgement
• Adaptable strategic thinker able to blend execution with foresight in both day-to-day operations and active management of projects.
• Capable and comfortable setting priorities and making timely and informed decisions.
• Enjoys and is experienced at effectively working with, engaging, and influencing a broad cross-section of people on multiple complex projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, fluent in written and spoken English. Multi-lingual skills a plus.
• Experience with preparation of internal and external communication materials.
• Experience in preparation and management of budgets

This role is available as a remote working role, but ideal location would be Fort Colins, CO.  Other locations aligned to key Syngenta Group offices are also available (e.g. Raleigh/Durham North Carolina, Downers Grove Illinois, Basel Switzerland) 

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits

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)

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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)

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Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats 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.