Global Seeds R&D Finance 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. 

As the Head of Global Seeds R&D Finance you will be a key member of the Global Seeds R&D Leadership Team and the Seeds Business Finance Leadership Team. You will co-create and execute strategies to both maximize long-term R&D investment prioritization as well as lead the steering of Seeds R&D Financial Operations across the world. In this role you will regularly engage with and influence senior cross-functional leaders through sound financial expertise and business steering on long-term strategy across the Global Seeds Commercial Strategy Team, the Seeds Business Leadership Team, the Global Leadership Team, as well as the Global Innovation Board.

The Finance Lead is responsible for building long-range plans, creating and managing forecasts, developing reporting and metrics, and establishing best practices. Additionally, the role involves scenario planning, investment trade-offs, managing risks and opportunities, and advancing finance modernization initiatives to support R&D finance across all regions. Key stakeholders include the leadership teams of the respective R&D functions, ensuring alignment and collaboration to deliver financial results and drive strategic initiatives.

Preferred location is RTP, but we are ready to consider other locations in the US, Brazil, Argentina, or Europe 

Accountabilities:

• Act as a thought partner for senior leadership to develop and implement business strategies that deliver on core Seeds targets and objectives.
• Influence decision-making processes by providing financial insights and recommendations, developing investment cases, collaborating on operational initiatives, and developing financial models, which include the use of data science and modeling various portfolio scenarios.
• Advance digital transformation in Seeds Finance by implementing reporting dashboards and designing modern finance models with digital tools and predictive analytics.
• Oversee long-range planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to support business planning and performance.
• Manage valuation of R&D pipeline and, in close collaboration with Portfolio and Strategy Finance, ensure robust valuation of biotech opportunities.
• Manage the Seeds R&D P&L with focus on functional costs, R&D capitalization, and risk/opportunity assessment.
• Partner closely with Global and Regional Commercial, Strategy, R&D, and Finance teams to assist in the development of a multi-pillared R&D portfolio valuation and prioritization model.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Lead financial processes for forecasts, budgets, and long-term plans, capitalization, and key restructuring initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production and Supply, Commercial, and Marketing/Strategy teams to ensure financial alignment with operational goals.
• Provide financial expertise to support strategic initiatives and projects across functional areas.
• Lead and develop a team of Finance Business Partners with functional support responsibilities, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and guide team members to promote career development and enhance their financial skills.
• Prioritize and delegate tasks effectively to maintain uninterrupted business support.
• Train the business community on functional financial matters.
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations, company policies, and controls through close partnership with Group Accounting, Internal Audit, and External Auditors to maintain compliance by leveraging financial excellence and best practices.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks to safeguard company assets.
• Support Agile initiatives and process improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or professional certification preferred.
• 15+ years in finance.
• Proven experience in a finance leadership role, preferably within the agriculture, seeds, or related industry.
• Experience with complex matrix organizations spanning the globe.
• Advanced skills in financial planning, analysis, modeling, and benchmarking.
• Proficiency in standard financial tools like NPV and risk assessment.
• Ability to prepare long-range plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Experience in business partnering, providing strong thought partnership to support and challenge business decisions.
• Strong communication skills for all organizational levels.
• Ability to improve processes using Agile methodologies and digital tools.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality processes.
• Advanced Excel and business modeling skills.
• Experience in business transformations and M&A projects.

• 10% Travel

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

WL: 6A