Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist

Company DescriptionSyngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.Job DescriptionPurpose of the RoleAs the Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist, you will be part of the research and development team and create and maintain a balanced Seed Development Crop supply plan across a defined group of assets to optimise customer service, cost, and site performance, whilst managing uncertainty and risk.You will establish a network across which you facilitate smooth partnerships and interfaces to proactively manage all planning related issues for your crop and region, anticipating constraints and working with supply and demand owners to develop scenarios to minimise risks. Crops you may work with: Corn, Cereals and Sunflower.Key ResponsibilitiesWe all have a critical role to play and add value. Here is how this role will help:Maintain the end-to-end (summer and winter season) overall supply/demand balance over a 2-year tactical horizon through the creation of supply plans which balance customer service, cost and site functional capacities (including Trait Introgression, Doubled Haploid, Genotyping, Nursery and Trialing activities)Present data with key planning insights annually and drive feasibility discussion for the crops you support, with strong partnership with finance for budget buildingAct as the primary contact for all Crop Supply Plan enquiries from the Portfolio team, site managers, and other key stakeholders, managing amendments / imbalances in the plans caused by forecast changes and/or production problems to preserve the original customer promise dateWork with the Market Segment Teams, Traits, Nursery & Trialing teams to manage any demand / supply changes via agreed change control process to ensure implications of changes are understood before decisions are madeAct as the key contact for all planning related issues associated with that crop, leveraging the agreed governance model as required and ensuring approval by stakeholders, especially if needed additional resourcesAnticipate future supply constraints and develop scenarios for their resolutionWork with the Portfolio and Business Operations team and local site/functional managers to optimize site assets and resourcesEnsure operational planning master data is accurate in the planning systems to help facilitate accurate plansMeasure, track, improve and communicate crop performance via the tiered meeting structure and through globally consistent & aligned Operational KPI’s, including tracking of trialing writingActive participation in the Planning Community of Practice to share ideas and drive continuous improvement mindset.QualificationsAt Syngenta we are highly people focused – we look for professionals who are engaged, collaborative and excellent in execution. Leaders are expected to communicate effectively, develop teams and lead by example. Our industry and our function are changing rapidly so we are looking for new team members with a strong desire to develop themselves.Bachelor’s Degree is requiredA minimum of 5 years of experience in the agriculture industryStrong data science capabilities, with a demonstrated understanding of complex data analysis in a global R&DDemonstrated ability to develop, implement and operate “fit for purpose” processes and tools, such as excel, Power BI and SmartsheetExperience / deep understanding of breeding pipelines and processes. Ideally in corn and or cerealsExperience / deep understanding of Seeds Development operational activitiesExperience building or managing budgets is desirableExperience working in international and multidisciplinary project team environmentsExcellent Communication skills in English is a must and and other relevant language (French and German) knowledge is a great assetProven track record of planning and influencing key stakeholders across business-critical activitiesDemonstrated ability to deliver under pressure while working through ambiguous projectsExperience working in a fast-paced environment, often under tight deadlines.Additional InformationWhat we offer:Dynamic and international team with great atmospherePossibilities to learn and growHigh quality office environmentHybrid work (office and home) 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.