Head Seeds Research & Development IT

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Global Head of R&D Information Technology (IT) for our Seeds Division. Our Seeds R&D brings together scientists, plant breeders and data experts who combine mathematics, genetics, plant physiology, and agronomy to create seeds tailored to help farmers grow crops more effectively in the face of increasingly complex challenges. We are looking for someone who has a deep understanding of technology (and ideally agriculture) and is able to lead a team of engineering professionals to create breakthrough data and technology solutions that will drive the growth of our Seeds business.

Working closely with executive leadership, this person will be responsible for providing technical leadership, driving the digital transformation, and executing our Seed Research and Development vision. Working closely with biotech, genomic, breeding, and data science teams, this individual will be responsible for driving and delivering data and product solutions in this rapidly changing field. The incumbent will accomplish this through the leadership of a growing organization of 60+ internal employees and an extensive external partner network across the globe.

Accountabilities: 

• Set a clear and actionable technical vision for the engineering teams ensuring alignment with the overall R&D strategy and enterprise IT strategy.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive engineering roadmap that supports the R&D strategy and goals of the organization.
• Provide progress update, feedback, and insights to leadership team about current and future path of R&D organization's technology roadmap
• Develop and monitor metrics as required to manage the R&D IT function including release calendars, budget, and delivery metrics to ensure appropriate alignment and executive awareness.
• Manage and oversee the IT team responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of software applications, data platforms, and infrastructure that support R&D
• Collaborate with stakeholders in the R&D departments via the DSET to understand their technology needs, shape/prioritize investments, and develop solutions that improve their efficiency and effectiveness
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including vendors and other industry professionals, to stat up to date with the latest trends and technologies in data and software engineering.
• Lead and mentor a team of software developers and data engineers, and work to develop their technical expertise and abilities.
• Develop team technical and product management skillsets to become a solution-driven organization with robust delivery and operational capabilities.
• Ensure that IT systems and data are up-to-date, secure, and meet regulatory compliance standards
• Collaborate with other IT departments and senior management to ensure that IT solutions align with both Seeds business goals and objectives and enterprise IT strategy
• Serve as a role model/mentor and ensure that IT staff are technically skilled, motivated, and engaged in their work

This is hybrid position located in Durham, North Carolina.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software and data engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Broad experience in research and development information technology with experience in agriculture, life sciences, or biotech a plus.
• Strong technical background and expertise in software and data engineering. Proven history of successful project management, delivery, and operations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong technical knowledge and vision with a demonstrated history of leading teams in the development of new digital products in the agricultural or life science area, on time and within budg