Logistics Manager

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

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Logistics Manager for the Seeds Development team in Slater Iowa.   

Role Purpose

The Logistics Manager is responsible for the management of functional and operational activities that occur at the site level which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Logistics includes activities that are not specialized by crop, including sampling, temp labor allocation, generation & reporting of data required for optimally managing seed production operations and for planning site operations.
• Effectively leading the logistics organization at the site to deliver against the site level work load.
• Developing staff and incorporating leading capabilities and technologies in logistics operations in order to deliver logistics activities in an efficient, safe, timely and environmentally sound manner.

Accountabilities

Work in a team based environment to effectively manage and deliver site level work load:

1. Resources       

• Own budget for the Logistics cost center: Plan, execute and deliver logistics activities on required timelines within allocated budget.
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure for logistics and seed processing at site level in alignment with Seeds Development strategy and capital processes.
• Define site level resource availability for logistics, ensure proper alignment of workload against that availability.
• Develop and continuously update unit costs for all logistics tasks conducted at the site level
• Ensure consumable supply inventories are efficiently maintained

1. Operations

• Ensure proper implementation and  timely execution of  logistics operations on and off  site
• Own and Optimize delivery of logistics activities at the site level (Quality, Quantity and Timeliness)
• Ensure logistics activities at the site are conducted in accordance with company HSE standards
• Facilitate Logistics alignment with meetings with other functions and Logistics team meetings

1. People   

• Line management of the Logistics team members on site (4-6 direct reports, up to 15 indirect reports)
• Ensure people management processes, people capabilities  and succession  plans are in place for the site Operations team
• HSE and Code of Conduct responsibility at the site level

1. Reporting / Communication

• Ensure transparency and cross-site communications regarding Logistics efficiencies and best practices.
• Responsible for reporting Logistics status updates and KPIs at the site.

Qualifications

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Provide leadership to a functionally diverse team.
• Effective and efficient management of Logistics resources.
• Develop a culture of innovation, agility and continuous improvement to deliver the agreed upon work load within budget and on timeline.
• Winning the support and commitment of the site level staff to work together to drive operational efficiency and operational excellence.

Critical Knowledge: 

• Degree in Agronomy or Biology with good understanding of agriculture, crop management and breeding principles.
• Thorough understanding of Logistics processes and sufficient knowledge to identify the critical issues and engage effectively with people to solve problems.
• General knowledge of Syngenta functions supporting seed production and a general understanding of  how to interface with those functions.  
• Sound understanding of commercial and business needs

Critical Experience: 

• Strong leadership skills with a history of getting things done in a complex