Company Description

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & X. 

Job Description

We make a difference

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s R&D - Development team giving support to the Vegetables Seeds business is seeking a Trialing and Product Placement Lead in Culiacán, México. 

Accountabilities

• Lead team that drives end-to-end execution of R&D trials to evaluate the performance of experimental seed varieties/hybrids.
• Ensure high quality trialing process across all activities from sowing to harvest.
• Oversee high-quality product characterization aligned with Target Product Profile (TPP) through data collection using digital technologies and timely data capture in IT systems.
• Oversee product placement scientist contributions to product advancement and placement.
• Continuously elevate skillset of trialing teams on new phenotyping technologies and digital tools to increase data accuracy and data collection efficiency.
• Responsible for timely deployment and broad adoption of new technologies.
• Ensure operational planning and tracking, accurate budget allocation and forecast to contribute to effective resource allocation.
• Monitor trialing operations KPIs and lead continuous improvement of trialing process and trial network optimization.
• Play key role towards effectively communicating product placement insights and product knowledge to marketing and sales teams.
• Scout and manage third-party contracts and/or agreements to ensure optimal trial management and trialing locations.
• Accountable for safe operations and maintenance of seed research equipment for mechanical planting, automated harvest and beyond (depending on teams’ crop responsibilities).
• Lead all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices and ensure compliance with all company policies.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD or MS in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics or a related field, or relevant crop related work experiences.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in seed industry after PhD or 7+ years after MS. (desirable)
• Extensive experience in commercial breeding, product development and characterization.
• Experience in plant variety trialing.
• Fluency in English (oral and written). (mandatory)
• Demonstrated experience in people leadership and stakeholder management. (desirable)
• Skill in effective communication for planning with internal and external stakeholders, and for summarizing experimental results to support conclusions and recommendations.
• Willingness to travel, with frequency changing through the year based on crop season. During main trialing season travel could be ~50-70%.
• Knowledge of statistics programs (Python, SQL, R Software). (mandatory)

Desired

• Knowledge of agronomy and growing techniques.
• Experience in working with growers and related companies or functions in the crop production or value chain.
• Knowledge about plant breeding and genetics.
• Understanding the vegetable market and crop specifications.

Additional Information

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. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Important

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. 

Beyond just believing in the power of diversity, Syngenta Group promotes an inclusive culture that includes differences in all its forms. We believe that the feeling of belonging allows people to become their best version, building an increasingly welcoming and productive environment. 

All qualified candidates will be considered for our positions, without distinction of race, gender, age, nationality or disability 

*This position will not provide relocation support. 

*This position will require immediate availability. 

Be part of a leading company that brings the potential of plants to life.

#LI-Remote