Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist

Role purpose  

As the Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist, you will create and maintain a balanced Seed Development Crop supply plan across a defined group of assets to optimise customer service, cost, and site performance, whilst managing uncertainty and risk. Primally focus is for Soybeans and Wheat crops.

You will establish a network across which you facilitate smooth partnerships and interfaces to proactively manage all planning related issues for your crop and region, anticipating constraints and working with supply and demand owners to develop scenarios to minimise risks.

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 Regional Crop Planning and Optimization Specialist for the Research and Development team in Slater, IA.

    Accountabilities •    Maintain the end-to-end summer and winter season overall supply/demand balance over a 2-year tactical horizon through the creation of supply plans which balance customer service, cost and site functional capacities including Trait Introgression, Doubled Haploid, Nursery and Trial activities •    Act as the primary contact for all Crop Supply Plan enquiries from the Portfolio team, site planners, Global Continuous Nursery coordinators and other key stakeholders, managing amendments / imbalances in the plans caused by forecast changes and/or production problems to preserve the original customer promise date •    Work with the Market Segment Teams, Traits & Trialing teams to manage any demand / supply changes via agreed change control process to ensure implications of changes are understood before decisions are made •    Act as the key contact for all planning related issues associated with that crop, leveraging the agreed governance model as required and ensuring approval by stakeholders, especially if needed additional resources •    Anticipate future supply constraints and develop scenarios for their resolution •    Work with the PPP Head and local site/functional managers to optimize site assets and resources •    Active participation in the existing Market Segment Team structures to ensure transparency for what is happening with the crop and create the opportunity for an early exchange of ideas to address any issues or risks to the plan •    Ensure operational planning master data is accurate in the planning systems to help facilitate accurate plans •    Measure, track, improve and communicate crop performance via the tiered meeting structure and through globally consistent & aligned Operational KPI’s, including tracking of trialling writing •    Active participation in the Planning Community of Practice to share ideas and drive continuous improvement mindset

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Required experience:

•    Bachelor’s Degree is required •    A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and change management •    Strong data science capabilities, with a demonstrated understanding of complex data analysis in a global R&D •    Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and operate “fit for purpose” processes and tools, such as the new Operational Planning Tool OPT, Power BI and Smartsheet •    Experience / deep understanding of breeding pipeline and processes •    Experience / deep understanding of Seeds Development operational activities •    Experience working in international and multidisciplinary project team environments •    Excellent Communication skills in English and other relevant languages •    Proven track record of planning and influencing key stakeholders across business-critical activities •    Proficient with project, portfolio, resource, and finance management technology •    Demonstrated ability to deliver under pressure while working through ambiguous projects

Preferred experience: 

•    Experience working in a fast-paced environment, often under tight deadlines

Critical Leadership capabilities

•    Determined execution: Establish trust, delivers results •    Passion for customers: Focus on customers, decision making •    Long View: Lead change, engage, influence, and inspire

What We Offer:  •    Full Benefit Package Medical, Dental & Vision that starts the same day you do  •    401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution  •    Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays  •    Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others  •    A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year   

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.    Family and Medical Leave Act FMLA       Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's EEOC      Employee Polygraph Protection Act EPPA      #LI-BH1 

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