Global Seed Production Strategy & Optimization

Syngenta Group • Durham, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's variety through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty. Syngenta’s Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Global Seed Production Strategy & Optimization in Durham, NC. This role will be responsible for bringing to life the strategy and digitization efforts that will elevate our capabilities to meet the future growth demands of the Vegetable R&D pipeline, with greater speed, scale, and quality. We are looking for a systems thinker who can reimagine how work is planned, routed, and executed across R&D pipeline operations. Our future success in Vegetables depends on breeding processes that are systematically optimized and seamlessly connected with logistics. The right seed, in the right quantity and quality, at the right time and cost — if that challenge excites you, this role is for you. This is a global position working across regions to drive local implementation of the global digital strategy and will sit as part of the Global Seed Operations Leadership Team. The role works collaboratively with three key partners: The Digital (ADS) team in R&D on the design and build of capabilities needed to support this mission. The Germplasm Development teams on standardization of breeding processes and operational execution. Regional Seed Operations teams on implementing new ways of working to achieve full value and impact. The ultimate outcome: seamless, on-time seed production and delivery that accelerates time-to-market for new vegetables and positions Syngenta for continued leadership in the global vegetable market.

Requirements

• Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This covers, but is not limited to, OPT, CPT, and H-1B visa holders.
• Advanced degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Genetics, Computer Science, or a related field, with 10+ years in the agricultural or biotechnology industry and 8+ years in leadership roles spanning R&D Operations, innovation, and digitalization or AI integration.
• Proven track record of developing and executing global digital strategies, including ownership of digital product roadmaps and the ability to translate strategy into standardized, scalable operational workflows across complex R&D environments.
• Demonstrated systems design thinking capability — able to reimagine how work is planned, routed, and executed — combined with strong data literacy and experience using analytics to drive operational decisions and continuous improvement.
• Deep knowledge across agronomy, plant breeding, logistics, seed physiology, automation, and planning tools, with a strong understanding of breeding technologies and digital solutions, and the ability to drive adoption globally.
• Experience leading organizational transformation, change management, and cross-functional, geographically dispersed teams, including direct partnership with Digital and software development teams on capability design and build.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills — able to operate effectively across all levels of the organization, build trust with internal and external partners, and inspire others to embrace new ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global digital strategy and roadmap for R&D Seeds Operations aligned with overall business objectives that reimagines and standardizes how work is systematically planned, routed, and executed through the R&D pipeline operations steps for seamless, on-time seed production and delivery.
• Drive standardization of processes that accelerates launch of capabilities and ways of working across regions, giving momentum to the digital strategy and roadmap.
• Lead the design team for the creation of digital product roadmaps and supporting operational recipes to transform planning, execution, and decision-making across the organization.
• Foster strong partnerships with R&D (Digital, Germplasm Development) and local Seed Operations teams for launch readiness, implementation, and value generation.
• Cultivate an environment that encourages systems design thinking, creativity, and innovation.
• Help others reimagine what’s now possible because of global digitalization and standardization efforts.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.
• Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior