Germplasm Development Lead

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 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.

Role Purpose:

• The Germplasm Development Lead will support the LBO Germplasm Development Head by leading and developing a team of Breeders for defined crop and market segments.
• Germplasm development role will continue to lead the crop breeding program for defined segments, in this case Cauliflower segment.
• The time ratio Team Lead / Breeding position will be approx. 20-80.

Accountabilities:

• Manage, mentor, coach and develop individual members of the crop breeding team .
• Promote and inspire teamwork, developing synergy between programs and regions. Increase team interaction, germplasm exchange and share culture of knowledge, good practices, and experience.
• Drive germplasm development process optimization (drive genetic gain improvement, process optimization, document via KPI measurement) in accordance to Crop Strategy.
• Support the local crop teams and the strategy via stewardship of its execution within the Breeding Team responsibility.
• Manage Crop-Team project portfolio and maintain alignment with market segment teams, global portfolio team and business needs.
• Develop/maintain expert knowledge of crop germplasm to understand the usefulness of lines and hybrids across environments.
• Secure data-driven processes in trialing, product advancement decisions, predictive breeding implementation, and late-stage product placement across market segments globally.
• Facilitate and organize the use of technologies such as molecular markers, advanced phenotyping techniques, cell biology, produce/seed quality/physiology, fast fixation.
• Drive regular program reviews for each program to contribute data to crop pipeline reviews.
• Establish good relationships with R&D functions, Marketing and Sales, Production and Supply.

Knowledge Skills & Experience:

Critical Knowledge:

• PhD or MSc. in plant science, with emphasis on breeding and genetics
• Experience of minimum 5 years in leading a commercial breeding program
• Knowledge of phytopathology, plant physiology, quantitative genetics, statistics, crop management and new technologies.

Critical Skills:

• Leading expertise in relevant area
• Good communicator within academic as well as business environment
• Keen eye for innovations
• Good sense of economics of new processes and products
• Flexible with regard to international character of the job (e.g. traveling)
• Both an independent and team worker
• Fluent English

Critical Experience:

• Proven success with product development projects in breeding
• Proven experience in leading a team

Competencies:

• Customer-focused
• Participatory management oriented.
• Innovative
• Decisive
• Communicative
• Trusted
• Team-oriented
• Results-oriented

Critical Success factors & Key Challenges:

• Visionary, futuristic thinking with the ability to create products with particular regards to dissection and optimization of complex traits.
• Ability to work within a matrix management system.
• Ability to manage and work within dispersed and multi-cultural teams.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop people.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the academic and business environment.
• Ability to execute on strategic goals.
• Knowledge of Crop global and regional markets linked to the assigned Crop-Team.
• Knowledge of marker technology, plant physiology, produce and seed quality, and Crop biology/agronomy.
• Developing germplasm and varieties for crop

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Take your chance!

Syngenta is proud of its unique culture and the values that are at the heart of it. We also foster a strong learning culture with plenty of opportunities for personal development. Why? Because our work matters! We offer a competitive salary package, flexible working hours and excellent benefits.

Are you ready to grow your career with us?