Job Description

ROLE PURPOSE


This role is responsible to oversee and optimize our seed production operations in the summer rainfall region. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the production of high-quality cereal and field crop seeds across various seed generations.


ACCOUNTABILITIES

Quality 


Produce seed within required standards & defined processes.
Quality of seed comply to Certification requirements of SANSOR & internal standards.
Collect feedback on quality and Service as seen by the customers; correct issues and prevent recurrence.
Physical quality as per agreed standards.


Volume


Contracting of hectares to enable delivery of the required seed volumes per crop.
Availability : Deliver the agreed volumes as per production plan. 
Parent seed, where applicable, available in time at the agreed quantities and within quality and purity specifications


Cost Management 


Expenditures to stay within the budget limits.
Full support and execution of productivity projects.


Grower Relations and Contracting


Identify, evaluate, and select suitable seed growers in the region
Negotiate and establish contracts with seed growers, ensuring favourable terms for both parties
Maintain strong, positive relationships with contracted growers


Stakeholder Management


Build and maintain solid relationships with internal stakeholders, including research, quality control, and sales teams


Technical Expertise and Support


Provide expert agronomic advice and support to seed growers throughout the production cycle
Stay updated on the latest agronomic practices, seed technologies, and industry trends
Conduct field inspections and monitor crop progress to ensure adherence to quality standards
Full support of digital harmonization and digitalisation efforts across the region


Production Planning and Reporting


Develop and execute production plans aligned with sales volume requirements and orders.
Monitor and report on production progress, yields, and quality metrics
Identify and address any issues or challenges in the production process


Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance


Ensure all operations comply with Syngenta HSE policies, guidelines, and statutory requirements
Report HSE observations, near misses, and status reports


Qualifications

KNOWDGE, EXPERIENCE, CAPABILITIES

Critical qualification


Relevant Diploma or Degree in Agriculture.
5 years seed production experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in seed production or related agricultural field
Strong knowledge of cereal, soybean, sunflower, and corn agronomy
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel frequently within the region
SANSOR Authorised inspector and Sampler


Critical knowledge


Experience in contract negotiation and management
Familiarity with seed certification processes and standards
Knowledge of agricultural regulations and best practices in the region
Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Identify opportunities, recognise threats and to be pro-active (problem identification and solving)
Must be able to work independently
Innovative mindset and results driven
English and Afrikaans is a pre-requisite to communicate with stakeholders.
Application and evaluation methodology
Planning and organising
Presentation skills - Formal and field (English and Afrikaans)
Adaptability and flexibility
Ability to initiate first contacts
Self-starter with strong networking and relationship-building skills


Critical success factors & key challenges


Ability to deliver outputs working across a complex range of interfaces
Ability to maintain standards and technical integrity
Engage and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure reliability.
Strong administrative ability (great with admin).
Ability to function in teams