Operations Manager

Syngenta Group • Junction City, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager provides comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of Syngenta Seeds Development operations across the Western US, based in Junction City, Kansas. The role encompasses nursery operations, farming systems, and seed logistics, and drives integrated operational excellence across nurseries, field production, seed processing, and distribution. The position supports seed production by ensuring high quality standards, health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices.

The Operations Manager directs end-to-end operations in alignment with North America Seeds Development objectives and business goals; drives cross-functional integration, workflow efficiency, and continuous improvement using KPIs; and manages overall capital and operating budgets. The role also leads talent management, succession planning, leadership development, and technical training, while overseeing compliance, crisis management, and business continuity planning. The manager represents Junction City operations in senior leadership meetings, maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, and leads organizational change in coordination with regional and corporate functions.

Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. The position offers flexible work options and a full benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, plant science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural operations; experience in seed production or plant breeding environments is preferred.
• Proven experience managing nursery, field-production or farming, seed-processing, and/or seed-logistics operations at scale.
• Experience owning OpEx and CapEx budgets, forecasting, cost control, and investment prioritization.
• Ability to lead organizational and process changes, build adoption, and manage resistance.
• Ability to lead site-wide safety, environmental, quality, corporate-policy, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee, motivate, and develop employees, resolve conflicts, delegate responsibilities, and foster collaborative relationships.
• Advanced project management skills for handling complex, overlapping activities and tight timelines while adhering to multiple operational, regulatory, and compliance protocols.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including breeders, Regulatory, HSE, and quality assurance groups.
• Ability to use metrics, KPIs, and analytics to identify operational trends and system bottlenecks.
• Must reside in the United States and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in seed production or plant breeding environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end Seeds Development operations across the Western US, aligning execution with North America Seeds Development objectives and business goals.
• Lead nursery operations, farming systems, seed logistics, field production, seed processing, and distribution.
• Drive cross-functional integration and workflow efficiency, monitor KPIs, and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.
• Manage the overall CapEx and OpEx budget, including cost optimization, resource investment, and financial accountability.
• Lead talent management, succession planning, and leadership development for direct reports, and ensure technical training across operational areas.
• Ensure site-wide compliance with corporate policies, safety standards, and regulatory procedures.
• Lead crisis management and business continuity planning.
• Represent Junction City operations in senior leadership meetings and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government, industry, and service providers.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and coordinate with regional and corporate functions to standardize processes and apply best practices.
• Oversee, motivate, and develop employees; resolve conflicts, delegate responsibilities, and foster collaboration across nursery teams and other site functions.
• Use metrics, KPIs, and analytics to identify operational trends and system bottlenecks.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Profit sharing and retirement savings contribution.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Education assistance.
• Wellness programs.
• Corporate discounts.
• Flexible work options to support work and personal needs.
• Professional development and a culture that supports work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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