Head of Seed Development Operations

Company Description

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Job Description

The Role

Join Syngenta as our Head of Seed Development Operations in Europe and lead a transformative journey in agricultural innovation. This senior leadership position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of seed development across multiple European research stations. You'll lead a diverse team of 120 professionals, driving operational excellence in seed production activities including corn, hybrid wheat, hybrid barley, and sunflower. Based in one of our key European locations, you'll be at the forefront of mechanization and automation initiatives while ensuring the highest quality standards in field operations and laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize operations across research stations in seven European countries
• Drive strategic operational planning and manage substantial OpEx and CAPEX budgets
• Ensure HSE compliance and maintain zero-incident workplace culture
• Oversee nursery and trial seed production for multiple crops
• Manage greenhouse operations and optimize production cycles
• Lead mechanization and automation initiatives
• Develop and execute cost optimization strategies
• Build and mentor high-performing, multi-cultural teams
• Foster collaboration between stations and functions
• Drive continuous improvement in quality management systems

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field
• Proven experience in progressive agricultural operations
• Proven track record in senior operational leadership roles
• Deep expertise in seed production and research operations
• Strong understanding of agricultural mechanization and automation
• Excellence in multi-site operations management
• Strategic thinking and outstanding business acumen
• Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities
• Fluent English; additional European language(s) advantageous
• Willingness to travel 30-40% across European sites

Additional Information

The role could be based from one of the research stations in Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Spain.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package, dependent on country.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population.
• A vibrant growth and learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.

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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: