Operations Manager

Syngenta Group; Slater (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k & retirement

Paid time off

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Syngenta is hiring an Operations Manager in Slater, IA to lead all Seeds Development operations, including nurseries, field production, seed processing, and distribution. You will drive safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while delivering cost-effective outcomes.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in agricultural operations, with strong leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision making to optimize site performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in agricultural operations, preferably seed production or plant breeding.
• Proven leadership in overseeing and developing teams and managing conflicts.
• Strong project management skills for multiple overlapping activities.
• Data literacy to analyze metrics and identify bottlenecks.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end operations at the Slater site, aligning with Seeds Development goals.
• Drive cross-functional integration and improve workflow efficiency across nurseries and field production.
• Manage the site budget (CapEx and OpEx) and ensure cost optimization.
• Lead talent management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Ensure governance, compliance with safety standards, and regulatory procedures; coordinate with stakeholders.
• Represent Slater operations in leadership meetings and build strategic partnerships.
• Lead organizational change and standardize processes with regional functions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data literacy

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops,we'reshaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel.We’rea 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.

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, IAsite, 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.

• 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.

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 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,promotionor any other employment practices for reasons ofrace, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

WL: 4B

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