Quality Process and Sample Management Lead

Syngenta is a leading developer and producer of seeds. We bring farmers stronger, more vigorous, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. 

Quality Process & Sample Management Lead

• Business Unit:             Vegetables Seeds
• Department:                 Quality Control Operations                 
• Location:                      Enkhuizen, NL

 

Into action

Are you a quality-driven professional with a passion for agriculture and continuous improvement? Join our EAME Quality Control (QC) organization as Quality Processes & Sample Management (QPSM) Lead. The QPSM team plays a key role in ensuring the timely delivery of reliable, accurate quality data. In this position, you enable our Physiology, Seed Health, and Purity & Analytical Testing teams by strengthening data analytics, championing QMS, LEAN and Six Sigma, and providing robust procurement and sample management support.

The challenge

Success in this role depends on strong collaboration and clear communication. You work closely with stakeholders to meet business needs, improve processes, and enable better decisions through high-quality data. As the QPSM Lead, you will be the primary architect of a data-driven culture, driving the evolution of Quality Management Systems (QMS) across regional QC Operations. You will champion continuous improvement by ensuring the integrity of externally generated QC data—implementing rigorous, evidence-based protocols for the identification, qualification, and validation of third-party laboratories.

Leading a team of 8 direct reports, you will transform operational metrics into strategic assets. Together, you will:

• Optimize Operational Excellence: Leverage advanced data analytics to provide clear visibility into capacity, utilization, and asset planning, creating a roadmap for systemic continuous improvement.
• Empower Strategic Leadership: Serve as a key partner to the EAME QC Lead and functional leads (Seed Health, Germination, Purity/Analytical) by delivering high-impact, actionable insights that facilitate informed decision-making.
• Drive Process Efficiency: Streamline procurement and sample management through data-led planning, ensuring all testing commitments are met with maximum precision and minimal waste.
• Champion Technical Standards: Act as the subject matter authority on laboratory certifications, utilizing performance data to manage and strengthen relationships with external partners and certification bodies.

Success in this role is defined by your ability to bridge the gap between complex data and operational action. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, you will institutionalize a culture where every process is refined through data and every decision is backed by quality-driven evidence.

Your profile

• A strong quality mindset and a clear drive for continuous improvement and change
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate data into decisions
• A people-first leadership style: coaching and developing talent is a priority for you
• Affinity with agriculture and quality control environments

Take your chance!

At Syngenta, we believe in creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued and given the opportunity to grow. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of secondary employment benefits.

Apply online today at www.syngenta.com. For questions, you can contact our recruiter Nienke Terluin at [email protected].

What We Offer

• The opportunity to receive an annual bonus and profit-sharing – we celebrate success together! 
• Flexible working options where possible to support a healthy work-life balance. 
• Grow and thrive – unlimited access to Learning Edge, our online learning platform, where you can continuously develop yourself through various training programs and courses. 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free advice, coaching, and support in areas such as career development, emotional support, and legal or financial advice. 
• 25 vacation days + 1 vitality day to recharge. From the age of 35, you will receive an extra vacation day every 5 years. 
• An attractive pension plan – because your future matters to us. 
• If you live more than 5 km away, you will receive a travel allowance of €0.23 per km, up to a maximum of 50 km one way.