Trailing Specialist

Company Overview

Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers is dedicated to advancing diversity through innovative breeding techniques, producing vibrant garden plants and nutritious vegetable varieties globally. We blend deep seed heritage with modern technology to craft resilient, high-performing crops suited for various climates, supporting sustainable horticulture by enhancing nutrition and natural beauty.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete trialing workflow from setup through harvest, monitoring various experimental seed varieties.
• Serve as an essential member of the trialing team, supporting activities such as planning, seed logistics, sowing, planting, labelling, transplanting, harvesting, and data collection.
• Operate and maintain complex seed research machinery and specialized farm equipment tailored to assigned crops.
• Utilize advanced phenotyping technologies and IT tools for precise observational data recording in experimental plots.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of collected trial data, securing proper storage within corporate IT systems.
• Choose and optimize trial locations based on market targets, environmental conditions, and best practices.
• Negotiate and prepare trial contracts with growers utilizing standard company agreements.
• Maintain close communication with Trialing & Product Placement Leads, scientists, commercial teams, and growers to track progress and resolve issues.
• Foster strong relationships with seed dealers, growers, and processors to secure key trial sites and manage contractual agreements.
• Gather key performance and observational data on trial operations to identify improvement opportunities and manage risks.
• Participate in research and process enhancements regarding trialing and phenotyping of vegetable varieties.
• Lead, train, and supervise third-party field crews ensuring effective trial management and data quality while monitoring their performance.
• Adhere strictly to Syngenta’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), biosafety, stewardship, quality, and ethical standards, including timely completion of all training and promoting a safety-conscious attitude.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree mandatory; Master’s preferred in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related agriculture fields.
• Practical expertise in crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding for vegetables.
• Strong understanding of factors influencing trial data accuracy and quality.
• Proficiency with digital tools and databases; skilled in using proprietary IT systems for data storage, label printing, and inventory control.
• Hands-on operational experience with agricultural machinery including planters, tractors, and automated harvesters, along with maintenance and basic repairs.
• Experience with electronic data capture and digital phenotyping technologies such as drones and imaging tools, with an eagerness for continuous skill advancement.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English and the local language.

Professional and Leadership Skills

• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks efficiently, and deliver results aligned with business objectives.
• Effective collaboration and communication across cross-functional teams and individuals.
• Capacity to build strong relationships and coordinate with trialing personnel to achieve shared goals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics including race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or disability.