Quality Lead - FC R&D

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Role Purpose

The Quality Management Lead for FC R&D India is responsible for establishing, driving, and sustaining a strong quality culture across all R&D functions and field sites. The role ensures compliance with Syngenta quality standards, sustainability requirements, stewardship norms, and regulatory guidelines. The incumbent will lead internal audits, manage non-conformities (NC) and opportunities for improvement (OFI), maintain documentation systems, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational excellence and risk mitigation in R&D.

Accountabilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the R&D Quality Management System (QMS) across FC R&D India.
• Drive a quality-first culture through structured training, awareness programs, capability-building, and routine engagement with site/function leads.
• Ensure regulatory, stewardship, biosafety, and compliance adherence across all R&D operations in alignment with global and regional standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality processes, SOPs, work instructions, and documentation systems for labs, nurseries, farms, Trialing stations, trialing field and greenhouse/polyhouses operations.
• Lead and coordinate internal quality audits, vendor audits (where applicable), and site compliance assessments.
• Manage and track Non-Conformities (NC), Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA), and Opportunities for Improvement (OFI) with timely closure.
• Drive sustainability and continuous improvement projects aligned with Syngenta R&D objectives.
• Conduct risk assessments, define mitigation actions, and ensure preventive quality controls in field and lab operations.
• Facilitate monthly quality connect meetings, dashboard preparation, KPI tracking, and reporting to R&D leadership.
• Support digitalization and data integrity initiatives ensuring audit-ready documentation and process visibility.
• Collaborate with regional/global R&D quality teams to harmonize practices, adopt best standards, and ensure consistent implementation.
• Provide quality oversight and support during experiments, trials, germplasm movements, seed production research operations, and any critical R&D workflows.
• Lead incident investigation, root-cause analysis, and coaching teams on problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, LSS).
• Ensure strong vendor quality coordination where services impact R&D processes.

Syngenta Leadership Capabilities

• Customer Focus & Quality Orientation
• Collaborative Spirit & Influencing Skills
• Change Leadership & Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Operational Discipline & Risk Management
• Strategic Execution & Problem Solving
• Developing Self and Others

• Professional Background: 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in [Insert Industry/Field, e.g., Operations, Supply Chain, or Project Management].
• Stakeholder Management: Proven track record of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders to achieve business objectives.

Technical Skills & Competencies:

• Data Management: Strong proficiency in data management, including the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets to drive informed decision-making.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify process gaps and implement data-driven solutions.

Certifications (Good to have):

• Six Sigma: Green Belt certification is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.

Travel: Up to 10–20% domestic travel to R&D field stations, farms, nurseries, and partner locations, as required.

Working Conditions: Combination of laboratory, field, and office environments with strong adherence to stewardship and associated concept’s guidelines.