Crop Planning and Optimization Manager

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

As the Crop Planning and Optimization Manager for NA and Europe (Temperate HUB), you will lead a team of professionals to ensure robust and effective planning, project management, budgeting, and site capacity alignment for all Seeds Development sites across both regions. You will drive data-driven decision-making, bringing transparency to site managers regarding workload and budget alignment.

A critical focus will be on current year and next year (CY+1) planning, partnering with business and functional units to ensure planning is aligned with regional business strategies and growth plans across NA and Europe.

Strategic Planning & Analytics

• Develop and maintain balanced 2-year seed development crop supply plans across NA/Europe
• Implement advanced analytics and data visualization tools for monitoring and decision-making
• Create and track standardized KPIs for planning performance, risk assessment, and budget targets

Process & Financial Management

• Lead process improvement initiatives and standardization across regions
• Collaborate with Finance to develop forecasts and budgets for current and next year
• Perform scenario planning and sensitivity analyses to optimize resource allocation

Cross-Regional Leadership

• Partner with PPP Head and local managers to optimize site assets and resources
• Drive synergies between NA and Europe operations through standardized processes
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across regions

Performance Monitoring

• Track and communicate crop performance through tiered meeting structures
• Maintain comprehensive process maps for critical workflows
• Prepare regular performance updates for senior leadership using globally consistent operational KPIs

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in crop planning, supply chain management, or related roles in the agricultural sector
• Deep understanding of breeding pipelines, Seeds Development operational activities, and agricultural markets in NA and Europe
• Advanced skills in data analysis, visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and project management software
• Proven track record in implementing and operating planning tools and processes across multiple regions
• Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in other European languages is highly desirable
• Experience working in international and multidisciplinary project team environments.
• Proficient with project, resource, and finance management technology
• Demonstrated ability to deliver under pressure while working through ambiguous projects

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 
Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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.