QC Manager - Seed Genetic Purity SQC

Job Description

Role Purpose

This role is responsible for managing all day-to-day seed testing operations and data review for the Vegetable Genetic Purity Quality Control (QC) Laboratories and ensuring that all testing is completed on-time to meet sales demand.

Lead and coach a team of dedicated employees in QC testing. Develop and optimize the people capability and asset base within the team in line with the QC strategy in close collaboration with Americas QC lead and other members of the QC leadership team.

Drive continuous improvement of quality processes through implementation of new test methods and automation solutions in collaboration with QC development, as well as, through identification of best practices across the global network of QC laboratories.

This role also ensures that all prescribed testing methods and result reporting meets company quality standards and are in compliance with state, federal and international seed regulatory requirements.

This role will have 25% accountability to the QC Development Purity and Physiology team to support global genetic purity initiatives.

This includes conducting projects that envisions validation, harmonization and scalability. The additional responsibility is thorough troubleshooting in laboratory work environment.

You will partner with global regions and diverse colleagues in allied technical and commercial functions to find effective solutions and drive continuous improvements for the benefit of our colleagues, the business, and our customers

Accountabilities

• Ensure full compliance on HSE, quality and security standards. Secure a safe and healthy work environment and process execution at all places according to Syngenta HSE standards
• Ensure on-time delivery of quality control test results from genetic purity testing laboratories
• Coordinate and oversee the planning and execution of genetic purity field grow outs for vegetable seed in the Americas.

This includes working in the field reading the grow outs.

• Manage technical issues with third party testing vendors for genetic purity and stewardship quality control testing. Direct the analysis, communication and approvals for validations, test options, data interpretation, and reporting as well as new test development.
• People management; coach and lead teams and employees, stimulate development of people through education, training and exchange, and recruit, motivate and assess performance of staff.

This role also includes co-managing the ELISA team in Seed Health.

• Continuously improve operational processes. Collaborate across the Nampa lab, as well as, with the global QC development teams and the global network of QC laboratories to drive process improvement and adoption of automation solutions, new test methods, and best practices.
• Provide trouble-shooting and testing support to the genetic purity team, as well as, to adjacent functions
• Responsible for departmental budget preparations and align with the approved budget during the year. Provide inputs on continuous improvement in efficiency
• Have adequate resources available for achieving optimal execution and planning of quality testing
• Participate in QC leadership team to develop and implement QC strategies and have focus on the end-to-end business results
• Participate in global QC networks
• Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory accreditations to facilitate international seed movement and serve as a representative in relevant seed testing organizations (e.g. AOSA, ISTA)
• Work in conjunction with the global QC development team, and QC technical experts to develop and validate internal testing protocols.
• Secure a timely execution of all maintenance and sustenance programs together and based upon maintenance reports and capacity demands provide inputs of investments needed in your labs
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Senses and adapts to the changing environment to achieve excellence in quality testing
• Collaborates across boundaries and coaches people to connect across functions and boundaries to spark innovation
• Proven leadership capabilities through on the job experience
• Work together with the other QC leaders in order to form an excellent team leading the QC department towards an efficient department, focused on continuous improvement, data reliability, cost effectiveness and HSE compliance

Critical knowledge

• Effective communication to develop constructive relationships
• Coaching, leadership & teamwork skills
• Understanding quality control laboratory management practices
• Good knowledge of trait purity testing methods and technologies including SQC testing, herbicide bioassay, flow cytometry and SNP.
• Understanding of quality management systems (e.g. ISO)
• Experience with Lean Laboratory principles
• Knowledge of National and International Seed Laws and Quality Standards
• Experience in an international work environment; ability and passion to engage with various and diverse cultures and work habits.

Critical experience

An MSc in a relevant field is preferred, but applicants with B.S. degree and commensurate experience will be considered;

relevant fields of study include molecular biology, genetics, plant biology, plant physiology, seed science, agronomy, horticulture, and other related fields

• Registered Genetic Technologist or willingness and ability to become certified
• Experience with managing a large, multicultural team
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft office suite
• Experience with SAP preferred

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Quality focus
• HSE, result and quality driven
• Change management skills
• Persuasiveness
• Coaching, leadership & teamwork skills
• Cost conscious
• Communication skills
• Working under pressure
• Willing and able to travel internationally
• Ability to deal with multicultural differences
• Ability to deal with internal customers
• Ability to deal with complex business activities
• Ability to influence people

Additional Information

Up to 10% travel may be required

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

WL-4B

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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Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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