IT Business Partner for M&A

Syngenta Seeds; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural technology company is seeking an IT Business Partner for M&A and merger integration. This pivotal role entails driving the technology aspects of strategic business initiatives, ensuring seamless alignment of IT systems during acquisitions and integrations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex IT integration projects, expertise in enterprise IT architecture, and a strong understanding of cybersecurity compliance. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

31.5 days annual holiday plus 8 UK Bank Holidays

Wide range of training options

Good onsite facilities

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in managing complex IT integration/separation projects.
• Strong understanding of enterprise IT architecture and business applications.
• Experience in executing IT carve-outs while maintaining business continuity.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT due diligence assessments during M&A activities.
• Define IT services and scope for Transition Services Agreements.
• Drive comprehensive IT integration strategies including operating model design.

Skills

Cross-border M&A transactions

Enterprise IT architecture

IT due diligence projects

Strategic communication

Cybersecurity compliance

Vendor management

Tools

ERP systems

CRM systems

HRIS systems

Cloud infrastructure

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, fiber, 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 are seeking an IT Business Partner for M&A and Merger Integration to lead the technology aspects of our strategic business initiatives. In this pivotal role, you'll serve as the primary technology subject matter expert, driving the successful execution of acquisitions, integrations, and divestitures by ensuring seamless alignment of IT systems and infrastructure. Your expertise will be crucial in early risk identification, value creation, and harmonizing acquired companies' technology landscapes with Syngenta's strategic vision and compliance framework.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Lead comprehensive IT due diligence assessments during M&A activities, evaluating target companies' technical infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity posture, and associated costs to identify synergies and risks
• Drive strategic input for Transition Services Agreements (TSAs), defining critical IT services, scope, timelines, and costs while ensuring seamless integration or separation processes
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive IT integration strategies, including target operating model design and implementation roadmaps that align with overall business integration objectives
• Drive end-to-end IT migration initiatives, including infrastructure, applications, and data transfers, while ensuring strict adherence to global security standards, data privacy regulations, and compliance requirements throughout the integration process
• Partner with project integration leads to ensure IT enables business continuity and synergy delivery
• Architect and execute comprehensive IT separation strategies for divested entities, encompassing data segregation, transition environments, supplier contract realignment, and operational disentanglement, while ensuring business continuity and minimal disruption
• Lead strategic IT-business alignment in M&A initiatives by managing stakeholder relationships, translating technical complexities for leadership, coordinating with external partners, and developing standardized tools and processes to enhance transaction efficiency
• Research, identify and evaluate emerging technologies for potential acquisitions and strategic initiatives, developing business cases and managing partnerships

Qualifications and required experience

• Experience with cross-border M&A transactions and managing complex IT integration/separations projects across diverse business, cultures, and regulatory environments, with proven expertise
• Knowledge and expertise in enterprise IT architecture, including ERP, CRM, HRIS systems, cybersecurity, data protection, and cloud infrastructure, with strong understanding of business‑specific applications and their interdependencies
• Proven track record in managing IT due diligence projects, including cost modeling, cyber risk assessment, TSA scoping, and leading complex integration/separation programs in M&A contexts
• Demonstrated ability to execute time‑sensitive IT carve‑outs while maintaining business continuity and managing diverse stakeholder relationships
• Excellence in strategic communication and program management, with expertise in translating technical complexities into actionable business insights for senior leadership
• Expertise in cybersecurity, user migrations, vendor management, and IT regulatory compliance (GDPR, TSAs, data laws)
• Strong background in IT cost modeling, integration strategies, and digital transformation trends in M&A context

Additional Information

This role can be flexibly based in multiple Syngenta locations within the 1-hour time zone of Europe.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday plus 8 UK Bank Holidays.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.
• Good onsite facilities

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.

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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion