Corn Business Head

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world's largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

The Head of Corn Seeds Business is responsible for driving sustainable growth and profitability in the corn seeds business by owning the annual Profit & Loss (P&L) delivery and enabling long-term growth. This leader will develop and execute integrated commercial strategies that align with company objectives, leads the commercial and operational execution ensuring value creation for both growers and channel partners. With direct oversight of the Channel and Grower Success teams, the role focuses on market development, customer engagement, operational excellence, and fostering high-performing teams.

Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business strategy that ensures sustainable revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion.
• Lead the annual business planning process, including sales forecasting, market segmentation, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D) to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and the effective launch of new products and technologies.
• Identify and drive long-term growth opportunities, such as entering new markets or expanding product portfolios.
• Promote operational agility to respond effectively to market changes, emerging opportunities and business risks.
• P&L Accountability
• Own and deliver the annual P&L for the corn seeds business, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded
• Monitor key financial and operational metrics, and take corrective actions to address deviations from the plan.
• Optimize pricing strategies to balance market competitiveness and profitability.

Commercial Execution

• Lead the commercial operations to deliver seamless execution of sales, marketing, and distribution activities.
• Drive market share growth by optimizing channel strategies and fostering partnerships with distributors and retailers.
• Ensure the successful implementation of promotional campaigns, product launches, and grower engagement initiatives.

Channel Management

• Lead the Channel team to develop and strengthen relationships with distributors, retailers, and other key partners.
• Drive the implementation of channel programs to ensure efficient distribution, product availability, and partner satisfaction.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of channel partners and implement improvement plans where necessary.

Grower Success

• Oversee the Grower Success team to ensure farmer-centric solutions and support systems are in place.
• Develop programs to educate growers about the benefits of the product portfolio, including advanced insect control traits and hybrid seed technologies.
• Partner with growers to understand their needs, challenges, and opportunities, creating strategies that deliver shared success.

Commercial Excellence

• Establish best-in-class sales and operational practices to improve commercial effectiveness and efficiency.
• Lead sales enablement initiatives, including tools, training, and incentive programs, to enhance the performance of commercial teams.
• Foster a data-driven decision-making culture by leveraging market insights, customer feedback, and performance analytics.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing Channel and Grower Success team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive culture that values innovation, accountability, and customer focus.
• Provide regular coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to direct reports.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the corn seeds business in internal and external forums, serving as a key spokesperson to customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Establish strong relationships with government bodies, industry associations, and other key influencers to advocate for the business and industry advancements.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in agricultural or seed industry, with a proven track record in commercial leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in P&L management and delivering profitable business growth.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, with direct responsibility for sales, marketing, or grower engagement functions.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to balance short-term goals with long-term objectives.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence teams and stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the agricultural market, including channel dynamics, grower needs, and competitive landscape.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with fluency in English (additional languages are a plus).
• Proficient in using CRM systems, data analytics tools, and other commercial technologies.
• Behavioral Attributes
• Results-oriented, with a focus on accountability and execution.
• Customer-centric, with a commitment to understanding and delivering value to growers and channel partners.
• Innovative and adaptable, with a mindset open to continuous improvement and new ideas.
• Collaborative and inclusive, fostering teamwork across diverse functions and geographies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of annual revenue and profit targets.
• Growth in market share and channel partner satisfaction scores.
• Successful execution of strategic initiatives, including new product launches and market expansions.
• Employee engagement and retention within Channel and Grower Success teams.
• Grower adoption rates and satisfaction levels with product solutions.
• Travel Requirements: 50-60%
• All applicants must be eligible to work anywhere in the Philippines

In Syngenta we recognize that diversity and inclusion is important to our business.  We embrace the unique perspective and capabilities of our employees, which will help us continue to drive innovation and achieve our business goals. Our culture enables us to create an environment of involvement, respect and connection with the communities where we operate - benefitting individual employees and the company.