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.
Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.
Role purpose
The Site Head is responsible for the management of functional and operational activities that occur at the site level in the country which include, but are not limited to the following:
- Effectively leading the seeds site management and operation at the site to deliver the portfolio, and complete in a timely, accurate, and in a cost-effective way.
- Developing staff and incorporating leading capabilities and technologies in daily operations in order to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe and environmentally sound manner.
- Infrastructure maintenance, capital improvements, seeds processing, field operations and quality operations occurring at the site level in the country.
- Also oversee the CBRE Representative for site infrastructure work, Site Security, HSE, and Administrative functions.
Accountabilities
Work in a team-based environment to effectively manage and deliver site level capabilities in the country that allow delivery against commercial portfolio targets:
Resources
- Own site operational budget: Plan, execute and deliver workslate to defined R&D standards, within allocated budget
- Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure at site level and country level in alignment with R&D strategy and R&D 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 within your station
- Ensure proper functionality and maintenance of site level infrastructure (buildings and equipment)
- Develop and continuously update unit costs for all operational tasks conducted at the site level and country level
Operations
- Ensure proper implementation and timely execution of site operations at country level
- Own and optimize operation delivery at the site level and at country level (Quality, quantity and timeliness)
- Lead QM and Continuous Improvement
- Ensure delivery according to plan for all crop activities
- Ensure operational activities at the site are conducted in accordance with company HSE standards
- Facilitate site and country level alignment meetings and team meetings, including tiered meetings
People
Line management of the operation teams on site and other sites managers in the country (8-10 direct reports)- Ensure motivation and engagement of the site community in collaboration with other functions on site.
- Ensure people management processes, people capabilities and succession plans are in place at the site
- HSE and Code of Conduct responsibility for all functions at the site level
- Continuous improvement of direct reports through performance management, training, and mentoring
- Recruit and manage seasonal staff
Reporting / Communication
- Ensure transparency and cross-site communications regarding site operational efficiencies and best practices
- Responsible for reporting operational status updates and KPIs for operations at the site and in the country
Knowledge, experience & capabilities
Critical knowledge
- Degree in agronomy or biology with good understanding of agriculture, crop management and breeding principles; post-graduate qualification preferred
- Thorough understanding of R&D processes and sufficient knowledge to identify the critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problems
- Knowledge of Syngenta functions supporting R&D, the critical interfaces and those systems relevant for portfolio / project management and finance a plus
- Sound understanding of commercial and business needs
- Sound understating of agronomy, plant breeding, logistics, operations, automation, seed physiology and modelling and planning tools.
- Knowledge of activity-based costing and basic accounting principles
Critical experience
- Operate in a team setting. Successfully function both as a manager and a mentor
- 5 + years of experience in the seed industry
- Experience in agronomy, seed physiology, plant breeding and / or field research
- Experience of R&D 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 estimate financial impacts of plan scenarios
- Language requirement: English (professional) and Thai (native)
Critical leadership capabilities
Set direction
- Prioritize actions and ensure appropriate support and resource
- Communicate inspirationally: Gain commitment of key stakeholders in a compelling way and help see how objectives are aligned to company strategy and add value
Drive results
- Skillfully plan, organize and monitor performance against deadlines. Sense and adapt to the changing environment to achieve excellence in delivery
- Step beyond comfort zones: Manage risk and able to work with uncertainty
- Focus energy on must-wins: Make tough decisions
Liberate potential
- Coach to release creativity and innovation: Coach people to connect across functions and boundaries to spark innovation
Additional Information
10-20% travel, domestic
