The Gilroy, CA station Manager for Flowers R&D Operations NA is responsible for the management of functional and operational activities at the Gilroy research site including but are not limited to the following:

Effectively leading the execution of trialing for breeding and marketing, starter material, and operational activities at the site in a timely, accurate, and in a cost-effective way to deliver a healthy product pipelineDeveloping staff, improving processes, and driving adoption of new technologies, in daily operations to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe, and environmentally sound manner of a research facilityInfrastructure and capital improvements, rolling trialing’s and quality operations for the Gilroy site

In this position, you are responsible for the ongoing development, upkeep and maintenance of the Gilroy site and all its assets to meet the needs for Syngenta Flowers site and all functions that utilize the site in a manner that represents the Syngenta brand appropriately.

Accountabilities

Work in a team-based environment to effectively manage and deliver site level capabilities that allow delivery against commercial portfolio targets:

Resources

Site operational budget: Plan, execute and deliver works to defined R&D standards, within allocated budgetEnsure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure at site level in alignment with R&D strategy and successfully gaining approvals through R&D capital matrix guidance/DOA processesDefine site level resource availability, align resources and work plans according to strategic priorities, and assure that demand and resources are well balanced within your stationOversee CBRE site services and collaborate with SDM/FM to set discuss priorities and issues, shares upcoming workload for the site, standards of housekeeping, maintenance and excellence in site operationsContribute to develop and continuously update unit costs for all operational tasks conducted at the site level

Operations

Ensure all regulatory requirements (business license, permits, etc.) are in place and lead official inspections (Cal Osha, City, State and Ag) for the siteEnsure proper implementation and timely execution of trialing (breeding and marketing) and starter material operations on siteOwn and optimize trialing and starter material delivery at the site level (Quality, quantity, and timeliness)Participate in cultivation evaluations and make sure that improvements and findings regarding process improvement from those evaluations are being included in the operations protocolsLead QM and Continuous ImprovementEnsure delivery according to plan for all crop activitiesEnsure operational activities at the site are conducted in accordance with company HSE & phytosanitary standardsFacilitate site level alignment meetings and team meetings, including tiered meetingsConduct time studies and guide the team in labor planningDelivery of KPI’s to measure work performed, assess/analyze, and use this information to propose productivity improvementsFacilitate the development of high throughput phenotyping and automation at the station

People

Line management of the trialing/growing team, starter material, operational, and Tissue Culture teams on siteEnsure motivation and engagement of the site community in collaboration with other functions and support sustainability programs for the siteEnsure people management processes, people capabilities and succession plans are in placeEnsure good project management and people interactions.HSE and Code of Conduct responsibility for the operations team.Continuous improvement of direct reports through performance management, training, and mentoringRecruit and manage seasonal staff: be the site point person for the contract labor needed on site, collect and report on data regarding labor hours spent on specific activities and develop operational standards

Reporting / Communication

Collaboration and communication: create a collaborative way of working with Market Segment team (Breeders and Scientists)Ensure transparency and cross-site communications regarding site operational efficiencies and best practicesResponsible for reporting operational status updates and KPIs for trialing and starter material operations at the siteEffectively communicating on a daily bases with peers and supervisor regarding the status of projects and work activities.
Company Description

Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally.
Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.
Syngenta Flowers has garnered more than 35 international awards for introducing hybrid annuals to the world, including such garden mainstays as Calliope® Interspecific Geraniums, Diabunda™ Dianthus, Endurio™ Violas, Sparkler™ Cleome, and Magellan™ Zinnias. 

https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/

Qualifications

Critical knowledge

MS or BS degree in horticulture, biological sciences, botany, genetics, agriculture, crop science, or plant science biology with good understanding of agriculture, crop management and breeding principles is required; post-graduate qualification preferredThorough understanding of R&D processes and sufficient knowledge to identify the critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problemsKnowledge of Syngenta functions supporting R&D, and those systems relevant for portfolio / project management and finance is a plusSound understanding of commercial and business needsSound understating of agronomy, plant breeding, logistics, operations, automation, seed physiology and modelling and planning toolsKnowledge of activity-based costing and basic accounting principlesWorking experience with Lean ways of working/Lean Six Sigma, and Agile methodologyKnowledge of automation and high throughput phenotyping toolsAt least 8 years experience working in a greenhouse environmentAt least 4 years of experience building and leading operations at a greenhouse facility

Critical experience

Operate in a team setting. Successfully function both as a manager and a mentorExperience working in a greenhouse environment and field desirableAbility to use and understand greenhouse control hardware and softwarePlanning, modelling, and manufacturing environment experienceAbility to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.Ability to learn and use proprietary systems and inventory management.Proven record of leading a dispersed team of highly qualified technical experts in a matrixed reporting environmentExpert working knowledge of R&D workflows and operationsExcellent communication skills and stakeholder management skills

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

Ability to plan and manage organizational changeAbility to think and plan strategicallyAbility to communicate clearly at all organizational levelsExcellent interpersonal skillsAbility to develop dashboards to report progress against metrics and KPIsAbility to estimate financial impacts of plan scenariosAbility to establish priorities and oversee multiple research activities simultaneously at peak work periods

Critical leadership capabilities

 

Set directionPrioritize actions and ensure appropriate support and resourceCommunicate inspirationally:  Gain commitment of key stakeholders in a compelling way and help see how objectives are aligned to company strategy and add valueDrive resultsSkilfully plan, organize, and monitor performance against deadlines. Sense and adapt to the changing environment to achieve excellence in deliveryStep beyond comfort zones:  Manage risk and able to work with uncertaintyFocus energy on must-wins:  Make tough decisionsLiberate potential

Coach to release creativity and innovation:  Coach people to connect across functions and boundaries to spark innovation

Additional Information
Relocation support is not availableTravel – 10% and seasonal travel to off-station trialing locations

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands

Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhousePotential allergens; pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the greenhouseWork is performed in the field, greenhouse, lab, and officeCapable of lifting up to 50 poundsCapable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season

What We Offer:

Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do.401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.Generous Vacation Policy in addition to paid holidays.Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.Salary $104-148K plus bonusA culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.

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.

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