Seed Operation Lead Technology Center

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 Syngentas Seeds Operation team is seeking a Seeds Operation Lead in El Ejido Almería.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead vegetable research and development Seeds Operations across our Innovation Center (Fast Track and Fruity Crops Technology Center) Young Plant Raiser (YPR) and Crop Maintenance teams. You will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative vegetable seed products while fostering collaboration across a diverse multidisciplinary team.

Accountabilities:

• Lead Seeds Operations & Resources: Drive vegetable R&D Seeds Operations across the Innovation Center (Fast Track and Fruity Crops Technology Center) Young Plant Raiser (YPR) and Crop Maintenance teams. Manage farm purchases greenhouse/growth room maintenance and coordinate with Global Facility Management (GFM) and CBRE for all growing and farming areas. Propose infrastructure and capability investments aligned with R&D strategy and site priorities.
• Deliver Operational Excellence: Ensure effective operations to deliver new vegetable seed products aligned with commercial strategy while optimizing R&D resources to meet operational targets (KPIs). Manage all farming and growth chamber activities including planning greenhouse preparation sowing planting experimental settings crop development climate management disease/pest monitoring phytosanitary treatments and waste management.
• Oversee Nursery & Specialized Activities: Coordinate and supervise Young Plant Raiser activities to ensure high seedling quality and relevant germination data within commercial representativeness. Secure associated activities including clones in vitro plants and field selections in coordination with YPR specialists.
• Ensure Quality Compliance & Project Execution: Implement quality standards biosafety protocols Global Seed Production Practices (GSPP) and Global Phytosanitary Standards (GPS) across all R&D seed operations. Lead implementation of diverse projects (new germplasm new traits investments) while contributing to the site agenda and ensuring deliveries for non-vegetable activities (marketing demo days crop protection trials). Approach diverse crops with flexibility and a research mindset.
• Lead & Develop Teams: Provide line management for R&D Seeds Operation personnel across Innovation Center Young Plant Raiser and Crop Maintenance teams. Drive people management and development processes for direct and indirect reports. Champion Health Safety & Environment (HSE) priorities and promote a safe operation. Foster motivation engagement and fluid relationships between departments to work as ONE site TEAM.
• Enable Strategic Communication & Collaboration: Ensure transparency in site operations through regular reporting trade-off discussions and best practice sharing. Serve as the key interface between breeding production and supply trait assessment facility management marketing sales and site leadership. Represent site operational activities in territory regional and global R&D Seeds Operations forums as a member of the Local R&D Seed Operation leadership team aligning functions according to strategic vegetable business unit priorities and planning.

Qualifications :

Education & Knowledge:

• MSc or PhD in Agronomy Biology or related field with strong understanding of agriculture crop management controlled environments precision agriculture and breeding principles.
• Thorough understanding of R&D processes with ability to identify critical issues and engage effectively across functions.
• Sound understanding of commercial and business concepts.
• Fluent in both English and Spanish (written and spoken)

Experience:

• Proven track record managing controlled environments (growth rooms) and high-tech greenhouses while integrating data sources to improve crop performance.
• Demonstrated leadership experience delivering results with and without direct supervision.
• Experience managing portfolio delivery metrics (KPIs) in a research or agricultural setting.

Technical & Professional Capabilities:

• Successful delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects and people management within matrix organizations.
• Strong ability to influence build consensus and gain support across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Clear decision-making skills when facing conflicting priorities and ambiguity.
• Continuous improvement mindset always seeking more efficient approaches.

Leadership Capabilities:

• Sound judgment and self-awareness.
• Ability to engage and inspire teams.
• Strong execution and results orientation.
• Effective team player in matrix organizational structures.

Additional Information :

What We Offer

An environment where every voice matters professional growth is encouraged and work-life balance is prioritized.

Comprehensive benefits package that starts from day one including health and wellness coverage tailored to your location.

Generous annual leave entitlement learning and development opportunities wellness programs employee assistance programs and additional benefits in accordance with local practices.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time