Field Production Lead at Syngenta

Job Description
ROLE PURPOSE

• This role is responsible to oversee and optimize our seed production operations in the summer rainfall region. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the production of high-quality cereal and field crop seeds across various seed generations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Quality 

• Produce seed within required standards & defined processes.
• Quality of seed comply to Certification requirements of SANSOR & internal standards.
• Collect feedback on quality and Service as seen by the customers; correct issues and prevent recurrence.
• Physical quality as per agreed standards.

Volume

• Contracting of hectares to enable delivery of the required seed volumes per crop.
• Availability : Deliver the agreed volumes as per production plan. 
• Parent seed, where applicable, available in time at the agreed quantities and within quality and purity specifications

Cost Management 

• Expenditures to stay within the budget limits.
• Full support and execution of productivity projects.

Grower Relations and Contracting

• Identify, evaluate, and select suitable seed growers in the region
• Negotiate and establish contracts with seed growers, ensuring favourable terms for both parties
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with contracted growers

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain solid relationships with internal stakeholders, including research, quality control, and sales teams

Technical Expertise and Support

• Provide expert agronomic advice and support to seed growers throughout the production cycle
• Stay updated on the latest agronomic practices, seed technologies, and industry trends
• Conduct field inspections and monitor crop progress to ensure adherence to quality standards
• Full support of digital harmonization and digitalisation efforts across the region

Production Planning and Reporting

• Develop and execute production plans aligned with sales volume requirements and orders.
• Monitor and report on production progress, yields, and quality metrics
• Identify and address any issues or challenges in the production process

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with Syngenta HSE policies, guidelines, and statutory requirements
• Report HSE observations, near misses, and status reports

Qualifications
KNOWDGE, EXPERIENCE, CAPABILITIES

Critical qualification

• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Agriculture.
• 5 years seed production experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in seed production or related agricultural field
• Strong knowledge of cereal, soybean, sunflower, and corn agronomy
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel frequently within the region
• SANSOR Authorised inspector and Sampler

Critical knowledge

• Experience in contract negotiation and management
• Familiarity with seed certification processes and standards
• Knowledge of agricultural regulations and best practices in the region
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Identify opportunities, recognise threats and to be pro-active (problem identification and solving)
• Must be able to work independently
• Innovative mindset and results driven
• English and Afrikaans is a pre-requisite to communicate with stakeholders.
• Application and evaluation methodology
• Planning and organising
• Presentation skills - Formal and field (English and Afrikaans)
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Ability to initiate first contacts
• Self-starter with strong networking and relationship-building skills

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to deliver outputs working across a complex range of interfaces
• Ability to maintain standards and technical integrity
• Engage and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure reliability.
• Strong administrative ability (great with admin).
• Ability to function in teams