Role purpose

The AMEA R&D Digital Portfolio & Transformation Lead is a strategic role responsible for driving CPD's digital transformation journey within the AMEA & JANZ regions. This role owns and executes the regional digital vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with the global digital transformation roadmap while addressing the unique needs and opportunities of each region.

Owns the AMEA & JANZ regions' CPD digital transformation vision and strategy, coordinating implementation across regional functionsWorks with regional functions to define a digitally transformed future, including capabilities and ways of working, to deliver the comprehensive CPD Digital StrategyServes as the face of digital transformation in AMEA & JANZ regions, actively promoting initiatives in leadership and employee forumsHelp shape governance frameworks that support the scaling of sustainable digital assets and capabilities across the regionsIdentifies strategic gaps in regional functions' use cases, prioritize and mobilize initiatives that drive productivity gains and deliver better products to customersCreates close partnerships with regional leadership, functional teams, R&D Digital, R&D IT, and Communication teams to drive seamless executionCatalyzes organizational value by championing a data-driven culture, promoting data sharing, best practices, and cross-functional use cases.

Accountability

Strategy Development and Execution

Develop and continuously refine the regional CPD digital and data transformation strategy, aligning with global vision and focusing on key value drivers: improving product values, faster delivery to market, and driving productivityCollaborate with regional leadership to define a digital transformation roadmap with clear priorities and measurable goalsOversee execution of digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment across all regional functionsIdentify and assess emerging technologies and best practices to incorporate into the regional digital strategy

Accountability

Strategy Development and Execution

Develop and continuously refine the regional CPD digital and data transformation strategy, aligning with global vision and focusing on key value drivers: improving product values, faster delivery to market, and driving productivityCollaborate with regional leadership to define a digital transformation roadmap with clear priorities and measurable goalsOversee execution of digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment across all regional functionsIdentify and assess emerging technologies and best practices to incorporate into the regional digital strategy

Portfolio Management in Digital & Data solution development

Establish robust governance mechanisms to identify, prioritize, and manage a portfolio of digital projects across the regionsEnsure disciplined implementation and optimal resource utilization of digital initiativesLead the implementation of digital solutions across the end-to-end crop protection development processEstablish and monitor KPIs to track progress and measure impact on key R&D metrics

Change Management and Capability Building

Act as a catalyst for cultural change, fostering a digital-first mindset within regional teamsImplement a comprehensive digital capability matrix for R&D functions that identifies skill gaps and informs targeted training programsPromote digital upskilling and adoption of new technologies and processesBridge the gap between digital solution development and senior R&D leadership

Stakeholder Management and Communication

Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across different functions and regionsEffectively communicate the digital transformation vision, strategy, and progress to all regional stakeholdersRepresent the AMEA & JANZ regions in global digital transformation forums and initiativesFoster collaboration and knowledge exchange between global and regional digital transformation efforts

Governance and Performance Measurement

Establish regional governance frameworks to monitor and measure the progress of digital initiativesDefine and track ROI delivered through regional digital transformation effortsRegularly report on status, challenges, and achievements to key stakeholdersContinuously evaluate and optimize the digital strategy based on performance data and emerging trendsEnsure compliance with relevant regulations and data privacy standards
Company Description

At the Syngenta Group, our 56,000 people across more than 90 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world's most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.

Website address - https://www.syngentagroup.com/

Qualifications

Critical knowledge

Degree in Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related fieldDeep understanding of the end-to-end crop protection development process and R&D organizations in AMEA & JANZ regionsStrategic thinking and passion for digital technology with strong knowledge of digital science and technology methods and toolsDeep appreciation of the value and opportunities in data and digital transformation, including AI/ML, data analytics, and data platformsGood knowledge of agribusiness specific to AMEA & JANZ regions (crop protection, bio-stimulants, biologicals, new technologies)Understanding of project management methodologies and digital portfolio management (e.g., Agile, Jira, Confluence)Familiarity with data governance, compliance requirements, and privacy standards relevant to the regions

Critical experience

8 – 10 years of professional experience in a relevant field, with at least 5 years involving research and development in agribusiness or closely related to similar industries.Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering digital transformation initiatives within the AMEA & JANZ regions or comparable complex organizationsExperience in influencing organizations and successfully delivering change management programsExperience managing a portfolio of digital projects, including prioritization, resource allocation, and risk managementExperience working with cross-functional teams across different cultures and geographies, with particular emphasis on AMEA & JANZ regional dynamicsExperience in building digital literacy and capabilities within an organizationDemonstrated experience in translating global strategies into regional implementation plans.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

 

Ability to manoeuvre in complex and uncertain situations with multiple stakeholders and conflicting interestsHighly collaborative – works effectively with others to connect and support them to succeedAbility to drive seemingly complicated and diverse processes to the required level of simplicity and uniformityStrong project management skills, including planning, execution, monitoring, and controlExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess problems and conflicts and resolve them effectivelyAbility to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong interpersonal skills and ability to influence and gain support from decision-makersAbility to act as a change agent and help people adapt to changeWorks and thinks independently, creatively, and innovativelyExcellent written and oral communication skillsFluent in English, with additional regional language skills highly valued

Critical leadership capabilities

Ability to inspire and motivate teams across regions to embrace digital transformationBuilds a culture of innovation and change – creates an environment that inspires and supports creativity and transformationStrong influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build consensus across diverse regional stakeholdersManages for performance – skilfully plans, organizes, and monitors performance to achieve excellence in deliveryCourage to cut through complexity, decide, defend, and own a technical position while bringing the organization along on a critical change journeyAccountable for leading self authentically and others either directly or indirectlyProactive communication and alignment with stakeholders at all levelsStrategic thinking with the ability to focus on delivering what matters for the region while maintaining global alignmentOpen-minded thinking – beyond current practices and structures