Lead, Plant Operations

Company Description

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

Job Description

We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, we are currently seeking a Plant Operations Lead in Pekin, IL. This position supports our Golden Harvest and NK brands.

You will help shape the future of agriculture by:

• Providing direct supervision and management of receiving, conditioning, packaging, inventory and warehousing of soybeans and of their parent seed. Additional duties may include quality testing and shipment of product
• Assisting with operational and capital budgets and development of plant personnel
• Fostering an operational culture founded on HSE, Quality, and process improvement. Active leadership in the Goal Zero initiative, which balances the production of seed and developing people.

Accountabilities

• Assist Site Manager as required in all areas of operations
• Coordinate and direct scheduling of quality, conditioning, treating and packaging processes with the Supply Planning Team
• Direct supervision of plant personnel including 3rd party labor force – expect 40% of time on the floor
• Assist with operational and capital budgets
• Assist with management of key operations including processes from harvest receipt to finished goods inventory
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality systems, processes, and programs for the site operations
• SAP entry as needed
• Coordinate and direct scheduling of needed inventory to facilitate the fulfillment of orders on a timely and efficient manor
• Responsible for inventory accuracy and warehouse management at site(s) in adherence of company specifications
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Quality Business Systems and processes, systems and programs for site operations
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines. Active leadership around Syngenta’s Goal Zero initiative.
• Manage inventory of packaging and treating supplies to facilitate packaging needs through shipping and order estimates
• Participate in performance reviews and development of personnel

Qualifications

Reuired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree highly preferred; Agronomy, Ag Engineering or Ag Economics or Technology applicable fields of study. 
• MUST HAVE:  Minimum of three years’ experience in the seed industry; with a focus in Production and Supply.  More years of experience in the seed industry can be substituted for a degree.
• Ability to create effective and efficient communication tools for all audiences; establishes clear objectives and timelines for work; good listener
• Computer literate in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SAP functions
• Cross-functional knowledge and participation in field activities; e.g. planting, scouting, harvest and others as assigned by site management
• Basic understanding of seed labeling laws, seed certification laws and interstate shipment regulations
• Previous experience in Agricultural products manufacturing preferred

Other Requirements

• Ability to work with cross functional disciplines, including research, product development, marketing, production
• Ability to lift 70 lbs
• Capable of working 7 days a week during critical time of year
• Travel by car/pickup during certain periods of year
• Ability to operate and be forklift certified
• Ability to operate seed treating equipment and obtain pesticide applicator certification
• Position may require being able to walk seed production fields in any weather
• Position requires be able to work in dusty, hot, and cold conditions
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Full Benefi