Field Production Lead

ROLE PURPOSE

This role is responsible to oversee and optimize our seed production operations in the summer rainfall region. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the production of high-quality cereal and field crop seeds across various seed generations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Quality 

• Produce seed within required standards & defined processes.
• Quality of seed comply to Certification requirements of SANSOR & internal standards.
• Collect feedback on quality and Service as seen by the customers; correct issues and prevent recurrence.
• Physical quality as per agreed standards.

Volume

• Contracting of hectares to enable delivery of the required seed volumes per crop.
• Availability : Deliver the agreed volumes as per production plan. 
• Parent seed where applicable available in time at the agreed quantities and within quality and purity specifications

Cost Management 

• Expenditures to stay within the budget limits.
• Full support and execution of productivity projects.

Grower Relations and Contracting

• Identify evaluate and select suitable seed growers in the region
• Negotiate and establish contracts with seed growers ensuring favourable terms for both parties
• Maintain strong positive relationships with contracted growers

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain solid relationships with internal stakeholders including research quality control and sales teams

Technical Expertise and Support

• Provide expert agronomic advice and support to seed growers throughout the production cycle
• Stay updated on the latest agronomic practices seed technologies and industry trends
• Conduct field inspections and monitor crop progress to ensure adherence to quality standards
• Full support of digital harmonization and digitalisation efforts across the region

Production Planning and Reporting

• Develop and execute production plans aligned with sales volume requirements and orders.
• Monitor and report on production progress yields and quality metrics
• Identify and address any issues or challenges in the production process

Health Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with Syngenta HSE policies guidelines and statutory requirements

• Report HSE observations near misses and status reports

Qualifications :

KNOWDGE EXPERIENCE CAPABILITIES

Critical qualification

• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Agriculture.
• 5 years seed production experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in seed production or related agricultural field
• Strong knowledge of cereal soybean sunflower and corn agronomy
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Valid drivers license and willingness to travel frequently within the region
• SANSOR Authorised inspector and Sampler

Critical knowledge

• Experience in contract negotiation and management
• Familiarity with seed certification processes and standards
• Knowledge of agricultural regulations and best practices in the region
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Identify opportunities recognise threats and to be pro-active (problem identification and solving)
• Must be able to work independently
• Innovative mindset and results driven
• English and Afrikaans is a pre-requisite to communicate with stakeholders.
• Application and evaluation methodology
• Planning and organising
• Presentation skills - Formal and field (English and Afrikaans)
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Ability to initiate first contacts
• Self-starter with strong networking and relationship-building skills

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to deliver outputs working across a complex range of interfaces
• Ability to maintain standards and technical integrity
• Engage and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure reliability.
• Strong administrative ability (great with admin).
• Ability to function in teams

Additional Information :

Advert closing on 08 September 2025

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time