Software Engineering Manager – AI

Job Description

Location: São Paulo – BR

About This Job:

We are seeking a visionary AI Engineering Leader to fill the role of Software Engineering Manager, AI. In this role, you will be the technical catalyst for our AI transformation, driving the development of innovative products that leverage Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and Advanced Analytics. You will develop purposeful digital products that bridge the gap between complex supply chain data and actionable digital solutions.

You will work closely with the Head of IT and Digital and the Vegetable Seeds Leadership team to execute a strategy that embeds AI into our global operations—from production and processing to quality and logistics.

Profile: a technical leader with extensive experience in technology product architecture, implementation and operations, who can build and scale a robust data and AI offering to power Syngenta's AI-driven transformation

The ideal candidate will:

• AI Product Strategy: Develop and execute an engineering strategy focused on AI-driven products that align with global business objectives in Vegetable Seeds.
• Full-Stack AI Delivery: Oversee the end-to-end development of AI applications, ensuring they meet rigorous technical requirements for reliability, security, and ethical AI standards.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate with AI Product Managers, Data Leads, and Global Data organization to ensure high-quality data pipelines and user-centric AI interfaces.
• Global Scalability: Identify opportunities to deploy AI solutions across our 85 countries of operation, ensuring reusability of models and best practices.
• Technical Mentorship: Provide guidance to a team of software engineers  fostering a culture of AI literacy and continuous innovation.
• Resource Optimization: Manage budgets and timelines for AI initiatives, navigating the unique resource requirements of GPU/Cloud compute and high-performance data processing.
• Innovation Scouting: Stay at the forefront of emerging AI trends (e.g., Computer Vision for seed quality, RAG for internal knowledge management) to drive competitive advantage.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, AI/Machine Learning, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years in product engineering, with at least 3-5 years specifically focused on AI/ML implementation at an enterprise scale.
• AI Technical Depth: Hands-on experience with AI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), Cloud AI Services (Databricks/AWS), and modern software architecture.
• Operational Mindset: Proven ability to apply AI to solve real-world supply chain, quality, or production problems in a global manufacturing or agricultural context.
• Agile Leadership: Strong experience leading high-performing, distributed teams using Agile methodologies to deliver iterative AI value.
• Communication: Ability to translate complex AI concepts into business-ready insights for non-technical stakeholders across the global organization.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A mindset focused on outcomes rather than just output, capable of delivering results in a fast-paced, global digital transformation environment.

Critical leadership capabilities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and mentor high-performing technical teams
• Strong vision for leveraging AI to drive business value and innovation
• Skill in translating complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Change management experience in large organizations
• Ability to build relationships across technical and business teams
• Ability to align technology initiatives with organizational goals

Additional Information

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. 

Beyond just believing in the power of diversity, Syngenta Group promotes an inclusive culture that includes differences in all its forms. We believe that the feeling of belonging allows people to become their best version, building an increasingly welcoming and productive environment. 

All qualified candidates will be considered for our positions, without distinction of race, gender, age, nationality or disability 

*This position will not provide relocation support. 

*This position will require immediate availability. 

Be part of a leading company that brings the potential of plants to life. 

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