Operations Manager

Syngenta; Slater (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Medical, Dental & Vision benefits

401k with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Syngenta seeks an Operations Manager in Slater, IA to provide strategic leadership and oversight of Seeds Development operations, including nurseries, field production, seed processing, and distribution at the Slater site.

The role focuses on end-to-end operational excellence, safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices, while collaborating with breeders, Regulatory, HSE, and quality teams to meet site objectives and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field and at least 5 years of experience in agricultural operations.
• Demonstrated leadership overseeing teams, conflict resolution, delegation, and cross-site collaboration.
• Advanced project management for complex, overlapping activities with tight timelines and compliance.
• Strong collaboration with breeders, Regulatory, HSE, and QA to achieve objectives.
• Data literacy to analyze metrics, KPIs, and bottlenecks.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end operations at the Slater site, aligning with Seeds Development objectives and business goals.
• Drive cross-functional integration and workflow efficiency to remove silos and improve KPIs.
• Manage the site budget (CapEx and OpEx) with cost optimization and accountability.
• Lead talent management, succession planning, and leadership development for direct reports.
• Ensure site-wide compliance with policies, safety, regulatory procedures, and continuity planning.
• Represent Slater operations in senior leadership meetings and maintain partnerships with stakeholders.
• Lead organizational change and standardize processes across regional functions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data literacy

People management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy/Plant Science

Job description

About Syngenta
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Company Description
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers\' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Operations & Trialing Team is seeking an Operations Manager in Slater, IA. This role will provide comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of all Seeds Development operations in Slater, IA, encompassing nursery operations, farming systems, and seed logistics.

The Operations Manager drives integrated operational excellence in nurseries, field production, seed processing, and distribution, ensuring the highest quality standards, HSE, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices to support seed production for Syngenta.

Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Direct the execution of end-to-end operations at the Slater, IA site, ensuring alignment with North America Seeds Development objectives and business goals.
• Operational Excellence: Drive cross-functional integration and workflow efficiency to eliminate silos; monitor site KPIs to identify and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.
• Financial Stewardship: Manage the overall site budget (CapEx and OpEx), ensuring cost optimization, resource investment, and financial accountability.
• Talent & Capability Building: Lead talent management, succession planning, and leadership development for direct reports while ensuring technical training delivery across all operational areas.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure site-wide compliance with corporate policies, safety standards, and regulatory procedures; lead crisis management and business continuity planning.
• Strategic Influence: Represent Slater operations in senior leadership meetings and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders (government, industry, and service providers).
• Leading Change: Lead organizational change initiatives and coordinate with regional/corporate functions to standardize processes and leverage best practices.

Qualifications

• The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in agricultural operations, preferably in seed production or plant breeding environments.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in overseeing, motivating, and developing employees while effectively resolving conflicts, delegating responsibilities, and fostering collaborative relationships across nursery teams and other site functions.
• Advanced project management capabilities to handle complex, overlapping activities with tight timelines while ensuring adherence to multiple operational, regulatory, and compliance protocols simultaneously.
• Excellent collaboration abilities when working with varied teams, including breeders, Regulatory, HSE, and quality assurance groups, to achieve organizational objectives and maintain operational excellence.
• Data Literacy: Ability to leverage metrics, KPIs, and analytics to identify operational trends and system bottlenecks.

Additional Information
What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

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.

WL: 4B