Operations Manager

Syngenta Group • Slater, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops is seeking an Operations Manager for its Slater, Iowa site. The role provides comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of Seeds Development operations, including nursery operations, farming systems, and seed logistics. The Operations Manager drives integrated operational excellence across nurseries, field production, seed processing, and distribution, while ensuring quality, health, safety and environment (HSE), regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices that support seed production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in overseeing, motivating, and developing employees; resolving conflicts; delegating responsibilities; and fostering collaboration across nursery teams and other site functions.
• Advanced project management capabilities to manage complex, overlapping activities with tight timelines while adhering to operational, regulatory, and compliance protocols.
• Ability to collaborate with breeders, Regulatory, HSE, and quality assurance teams.
• Ability to use metrics, KPIs, and analytics to identify operational trends and system bottlenecks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in seed production or plant breeding environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end site operations in alignment with North America Seeds Development objectives and business goals.
• Drive cross-functional integration and workflow efficiency, monitor site KPIs, and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.
• Manage the site’s capital and operating budgets, optimizing costs, investments, 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 Slater operations in senior leadership meetings and maintain strategic 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.

Benefits

• Flexible work options.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits 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.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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