NA Operations Specialist

The NA Operations Specialist serves as the regional catalyst for nursery operational transformation driving standardization, efficiency, and continuous improvement at scale. This role exists to bridge the gap between local site operations, technical teams and broader regional strategic objectives by developing methodologies to eliminate inefficiencies, standardize and harmonize practices, contributing to quality across all regional nursery operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and maintain standardized procedures that ensure consistent implementation of best practices across all regional sites
• Conduct process mapping and value stream analysis to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and improvement opportunities in field operations across multiple locations
• Implement operational excellence principles to optimize field operations, reduce variability, and improve quality outcomes throughout the region
• Design and deploy standardized data collection protocols that ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of critical phenotypic data across all regional sites
• Lead cross-functional process improvement teams to address complex operational challenges and implement innovative solutions that can be scaled across the region
• Facilitate regular cross-site collaboration forums to share process improvements, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and drive operational excellence throughout the region

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Requirements

• B.S. in Agriculture, Crop Science, Biology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in nursery operations or seed research or related industry
• 5+ years of experience in process improvement or operational excellence
• Demonstrated success in leading process optimization projects

Skills

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences
• Ability to lead and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities; facilitates solutions across geographical boundaries
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated critical thinking across complex situations involving multiple variables and sites
• Competence in advanced analytics leading the deployment of new tools and processes region wide
• Results orientation with proven ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously while maintaining quality standards
• Willingness to travel as needed to visit nursery sites, attend conferences, and engage with industry partners

Desired

• Strong background in Lean Six Sigma

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. 

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