Starter Material Lead

Company Description

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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.

Job Description

Note:  This role is based on-site in Gilroy, requiring a hands-on approach to manage local activities and a strong alignment with teams on-site.

The primary goal of the Starter Material Lead is to ensure a seamless, efficient, and high-quality production and distribution of Starter Materials, supporting the company's broader production goals and commitments to partners.

Accountabilities

• Establish and Lead our local Starter Material Team to deliver strong performance in support of the business targets
• QOTIF delivery of Starter Materials (SEE, EE, Pre-candidate, and Pre-Basic seeds) to our production farms and licensing partners globally
• Manage the Starter Material teams to ensure high quality performance and collaborate with the Diagnostic Team and Tissue Culture activities
• Ensure Starter Material activities (Elite growing, Pre-candidate, and Pre-Basic seeds) are executed according to schedule
• Accountable for the local planning of the Starter Material activities in close collaboration with the Global Starter Material Manager and other relevant stakeholders
• Work with the Phytosanitary and Quality Specialist to establish, manage and implement scouting and pest management programs to eliminate insects, diseases, and viruses in Elite and Pre-Basic seeds Growing
• Ensure all HSES and Phytosanitary standards and protocols are implemented, followed, and enforced
• Manage the planning, assignment, and scheduling of the weekly tasks of Elite Growing and Pre-Basic seeds tasks based on the business priorities and the overall planning of delivery requests, and align with the Tissue Culture Lab and Diagnostic Team
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders (i.e. breeders, scientists, farm planners, lab services, and growing teams) about the status of supply requests and the adjustments of production plans
• Pro-active handling of any issues risking the delay or lack of supply in Starter Materials
• Organize and lead regular team meetings to establish strong team work (mutual learning) and ownership with the individual team members
• Work with the Operation on site to improve workflow processes, and evaluate performance productivity to determine opportunities for efficiency, quality and performance improvement
• Utilize IS tools (e.g. Kikker, TimeReg, TC database, PMD, Elitair, Terra, etc…) and work with local planner to plan, execute, monitor and report progress of Starter Material activities
• Manage the inventory and purchase of supplies required for Starter Material activities in close collaboration with our procurement team
• Day-to-day people management and development
• Submit and approve weekly payroll for hourly and non-exempt employees
• Perform additional assigned tasks as needed in support of R&D activities

Qualifications

Critical knowledge

• BSc degree in Plant Sciences
• Expertise and knowledge of greenhouse, vivo material, tissue culture, and seeds operations, and diagnostic standards and Certification processes in horticulture

Critical experience

• At least 5 years of relevant growing, breeding, trialing, or horticultural work experience in complex greenhouse environments
• Proven track record in successfully leading and supervising teams

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Experience with horticulture practices in greenhouses environments
• Excellent understanding of critical succesfactors in Starter Material and mindset to deliver against industry standards (i.e. NAKT certification). In particular Phytosanitary Standards.
• Ability to translate technical information and train staff to implement diligently
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal), Spanish language skills preferred
• Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, Power Point, etc.)
• Mindset for continuous improvements in crop quality and efficiency
• Outstanding team player with focus on developing people
• Ability to identify problems and propose solutions
• Well organized and highly structured way of working
• Attitude to quickly respond to internal and external requests

Additional Information

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation, 9 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

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
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
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