Innovation and Strategic Projects Manager

Syngenta Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global agricultural technology firm in Manchester is seeking a dynamic professional to drive strategic IT and digital initiatives. This pivotal role focuses on evaluating emerging technologies and managing key technology initiatives to support the company's digital evolution. The ideal candidate will combine strong research and strategic skills with practical implementation experience in digital transformation. Alongside a competitive benefits package, this role offers the chance to influence the company’s digital future at a transformative time.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package

Generous pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical & life insurance

Up to 31.5 days annual holiday

Learning culture with training options

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's preferred.
• Progressive experience in business, IT/Digital, preferably with early‑stage companies.
• Experience with lean and agile software delivery teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies for strategic needs.
• Conduct research on innovative technology areas.
• Manage strategic IT & Digital initiatives and innovation programmes.

Skills

Research and strategic thinking

Digital transformation

Stakeholder relationship management

Lean and agile software delivery

Technology partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, IT, data science, agriculture or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Company Description

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor‑made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fibre, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting‑edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources.

Job Description

We're seeking a dynamic professional to drive strategic IT and digital initiatives at Syngenta Group. This pivotal role combines research and strategic thinking with hands‑on execution, focusing on identifying and evaluating cutting‑edge technologies and digital transformation opportunities. The successful candidate will develop strategic insights to support our digital evolution and IPO preparation while managing key technology initiatives and providing expert guidance on M&A projects. As a key member of our team, you will help shape and execute Syngenta Group's strategic technology agenda and identify and evaluate emerging technologies for their potential business impact. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence our company's digital future at a transformative time, making it ideal for someone who blends strong research skills and strategic vision with practical implementation skills and brings substantial experience in digital transformation and technology innovation.

Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Identifies and evaluates emerging technologies from third parties and startups to address strategic needs, develops business cases, and manages partnerships through implementation
• Conducts deep research on innovative technology areas and companies, summarises and communicates findings to IT and business leaders
• Leads strategic technology partnership meetings while monitoring market trends to identify and implement capabilities that support Syngenta Group's competitive advantage
• Manages strategic IT & Digital initiatives and innovation programmes, developing business cases with clear KPIs, forecasts, and budgets while contributing to overall technology strategy
• Drives stakeholder alignment through data‑driven insights to develop and execute agile strategic roadmaps
• Develops business cases, manages due diligence, and project oversight for technology acquisitions/divestments

Qualifications and required experience

• Bachelor's degree required (Master's preferred) in business, IT, data science, agriculture, or related field, with relevant industry experience
• Progressive experience in business and IT/Digital, with experience working with early‑stage companies or on innovation programmes an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in or with lean and agile software delivery teams or technology partnerships is preferred
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams while effectively managing stakeholder relationships at all organisational levels
• Identifies and evaluates technological trends and partnership opportunities, understands market dynamics and competitive environment
• Understands – and can operate within – the domains of any core technologies that the strategy requires to deliver capabilities (quantum computing or artificial intelligence, for example)

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.
• Good onsite facilities.
• Business related travel.