Seed Development Operations Lead Crop Management

Role purpose 

• Manage all the growing management-agronomy programs at Continuous Nursery/Trait Introgression site. Continuously improving cultural practices, introducing new technologies and processes for effective and qualitative delivery of Vegetables Seeds Development various crop portfolio.

Accountabilities

• Ethics, HSE, GSPP and QM Commitment and accountability.  Perform all tasks in a compliant manner with company safety policies, including completing all required training sessions and attending local safety meetings.
• Directly manage the growing-agronomy programs, with responsibilities for irrigation, fertilization programs, growing & climate management, pest management.
• Directly manage the Production of young plant with responsibilities of deadlines, quality and protocols
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing of vegetables crops portfolio. 
• Incorporate leading capabilities and technologies into daily Crop Management operations in order to bring the highest quality of deliverables.
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure in alignment with R&D strategy.
• Own and optimize trialing and nursery delivery (Quality, quantity and timelines).
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of Syngenta employees and 3rd party labor.
• Function as an integral member of the site Operations Team by participating in all in-scope activities, including agronomic activities, maintenance of equipment and facilities, documentation, and training.
• Member of the site operations management team .
• Effectively communicate with peers, and supervisors regarding the status of trials, projects and work activities.
• Contribute to the constant improvement of Continuous Nursery/Trait Introgression  processes to increase accuracy of delivery date, reduce seed to seed cycle time, increase capacity of facility, increase quality of nursery trials , make efficient use of resources and improve/simplify the overall ways of working.

Coach/mentor direct reports and contribute towards employee skill development and engagement on day-to-day basis. Participate in recruiting or people initiatives as appropriate.

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading sustainable agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Our 53,000 people across more than 100 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world’s most local agricultural technology and innovation partner. Syngenta Group is committed to operating at the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This is a commitment that we are making to investors, customers, society and employees. Syngenta Group is also committed to maintaining a workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Flexibility and resourcefulness in a fast paced, team-oriented work environment.
• A demonstrated work ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovation.
• Ability to work both independently and in team situations.
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process.
• Strong communication and networking skills.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

 Critical Knowledge: 

• MS degree in Agronomy, Plant Sciences or related field, or BS degree and ≥ 5 years of experience

Critical Experience: 

•  Experience in farming or management of research field operations.
•  Experience in agricultural research.
• People management experience to effectively lead team of permanent and temporary employees
• Experience in managing operational processes including management of infrastructure and relevant resources
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Demonstrated ability to identify critical issues and engage with cross functional stakeholders to solve problems in timely manner

Critical Capabilities: 

•  MS Office tools and digital fluency to effectively capture data and manage the cropping trials using appropriate IT systems
• Results orientation and drive to deliver high quality of cropping and young plant production   
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage complex processes requiring alignment between multi-functional teams
• Agility and willingness to change plans and meet critical delivery timelines
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural teams and drive results in global team settings
• Ability to work on problems where situation or data requires an in-depth analysis of various factors.
• Ability to have a multi-year track record of high yield or quality performance, when compared to like areas / growers.  Prevents problems before they occur.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and local language
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. (Irrigation systems, climatic control ..)

Must be available for unscheduled work based on field conditions and weather (including weekends).

Behavior Critical Capabilities: 

• Ability to federate around a common goal
• Autonomy, can-do attitude, and drive to get things done
• Multi-cultural environment appreciation
• Leadership capabilities
• Flexibility
• High ethic, transparent work style

Critical Leadership Capabilities:

• Lead internal, Lead others
• Passion for Customers, Determined Execution, Growth for all, How matters, Long View

HSEQ Critical capabilities for the role:

• Completes the work processes according to the Syngenta HSE Policy, Safety Standards, Environmental policy and GSPP & QM commitment and accountability.

Additional information

• All candidates must be eligible to work in [country where role is based]
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally (10%)