Reference: 18033413

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 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.

We are seeking a Manager Flowers R&D Operations Americas in Gilroy, California that will be responsible for the management of functional and operational activities that occur at the site level.

The incumbent is effectively leading the seeds trialing, nursery, and elite operations along with other Seeds Development functions at the site to deliver the regional portfolio, and to complete in a timely, accurate, and cost-effective way.

• Develop staff and incorporate leading capabilities and technologies in daily operations to bring the highest quality of products to market in an efficient, safe, and environmentally sound manner.
• Work closely with North American Market Segment lead, and breeding teams to ensure breeding and trialing objectives are met by operational functions.
• Work closely with commercial heads to ensure operational alignment with key business needs such as on-site customer events and engagement.
• Proficiently manage budget, capital improvements, compliance, and quality seeds trialing & operations.
• Also oversee the CBRE site infrastructure work, site security, HSE, and administrative functions.

Accountabilities

• Work in a team-based environment to effectively manage and deliver site level capabilities that allow delivery against commercial portfolio targets

Resources

• Own site operational budget: Plan, execute and deliver work-slate to defined Seeds Development standards, within allocated budget
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure at site level in alignment with Seeds Development strategy and capital processes
• Define site level resource availability, align resources and work plans according to strategic priorities, and assure that demand and resources are well balances
• Ensure proper functionality and maintenance of site level infrastructure (buildings and equipment)
• Develop and continuously update Key Performance Indicators for all operational tasks conducted at the site level

Qualifications

Operations

• Ensure proper implementation and timely execution of trialing and nursery operations on site
• Own and optimize trialing and nursery delivery at the site level (quality, quantity, and timeliness)
• Lead Quality Management and Continuous Improvement
• Ensure delivery according to plan for all crop activities

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Strong leadership skills with a history of accomplishments in a complex operational environment
• Management and demonstrated success delivering portfolio on budget
• Demonstrated ability to network across functions
• Excellent organization and computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to lead a team of cross-functional technical experts to develop and own an aligned plan
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process
• Work Ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovativeness

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical knowledge

• Degree in agronomy, horticulture or biology with good understanding of agriculture/horticulture, crop management and breeding principles; post-graduate qualification preferred
• Thorough understanding of Seeds Development processes and sufficient knowledge to identify critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problems
• Sound understanding of commercial and business needs
• Sound understating of agronomy, plant breeding, logistics, operations, automation, seed physiology, modelling and planning tools.
• Knowledge of activity-based costing and basic accounting principles
• Working experience with Lean ways of working; Six Sigma-Kaizen, or Agile methodology.

Critical experience

• Operate in a team setting. Successfully function both as a manager and a mentor
• 5 + years of experience in the seed or greenhouse industry
• Experience in agronomy/horticulture, seed physiology, plant breeding and / or field research
• Expert working knowledge of Seeds Development and or greenhouse production workflows and operations

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities

• Ability to plan and manage organizational change
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Ability to communicate clearly at all organizational levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop dashboards to report progress against metrics and KPIs
• Ability to estimate financial impacts of plan scenarios
• Ability to establish priorities and oversee multiple research activities simultaneously at peak work periods
• Up to 30%-40% travel, including national and international

Application

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

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.