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.
