Seed Operations Leader — Strategy, Compliance & Growth

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

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.