Head of Product Optimizer Marketing

At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re passionate about helping people in the vegetable industry succeed and putting growers at the heart of all that we do. Our energies are focused on creating solutions that help them get more out of their crops, now and in the future. A commitment in every seed. We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to achieve the highest yield potentials in their operations; continually investing in R&D to bring cutting-edge innovations to the market; and striving to make a real-world difference through more sustainable practices on farms, in shipping, and at the grocery store.

Into action

We are looking for a commercially minded marketing leader to shape the future of our vegetable business. In this high-impact role, you will turn insight into stronger farmer value propositions, portfolio choices and innovation priorities – influencing what we develop, how we position it and how it reaches the market across crops and regions. Your focus is the Product Optimizer Grower: a commercially ambitious, technically capable and well-connected early adopter who invests in new genetics and on-farm technology to drive growth, deliver premium-quality produce and strengthen their market position. They value early access to innovation, expert support, strong networks and a close relationship with Syngenta. This is not traditional brand marketing; it is an opportunity to connect the vegetable value chain from grower to retailer and translate market needs into decisions that create lasting value.

The challenge

• Lead the marketing and portfolio strategy for the Product Optimizer segment across vegetable crops and regions.
• Translate grower, retailer, shopper and value-chain needs into clear propositions, positioning, pricing logic and go-to-market plans.
• Use downstream and industry insight to influence longer-term product, crop and innovation choices.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of 4–6 marketing professionals, while managing the marketing budget and investment priorities.
• Work with technical, crop, commercial, portfolio, R&D and regional teams to turn market needs into actionable innovation briefs.
• Contribute to five-year business planning and ensure aligned execution of marketing processes and strategies across markets.

Your profile

• Significant experience in marketing, category management, portfolio management or commercial leadership within vegetables, fresh produce, seeds, food or a related value chain.
• A strong understanding of the vegetable industry, from growers and technical specialists to trade, retail and consumers.
• Experience translating customer or shopper needs into product specifications, portfolio decisions or longer-term innovation opportunities.
• Commercial experience with assortment or portfolio management, pricing, promotion, quality, availability, supplier management and/or waste reduction.
• Experience leading teams and cross-functional projects in an international and complex environment.
• The credibility, strategic judgement and communication skills to influence technical experts, growers, commercial teams and senior stakeholders.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to receive an annual bonus and profit-sharing – we celebrate success together!
• Flexible working options where possible to support a healthy work-life balance, including the ability to work from up to 2 days per week from home.
• Grow and thrive – unlimited access to Learning Edge, our online learning platform, where you can continuously develop yourself through various training programs and courses.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free advice, coaching, and support in areas such as career development, emotional support, and legal or financial advice.
• 25 vacation days + 1 vitality day to recharge. From the age of 35, you will receive an extra vacation day every 5 years.
• An attractive pension plan – because your future matters to us.
• If you live more than 5 km away, you will receive a travel allowance of €0.23 per km, up to a maximum of 50 km one way.

Take your chance!

This is a rare opportunity to shape future vegetable offerings. You will lead a team and influence a long-term planning agenda at the point where industry insight, innovation, farmer value and customer demand meet.

At Syngenta, we believe in creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued and given the opportunity to grow. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package of secondary employment benefits.

Apply online today at www.syngenta.com. For questions, please contact our Talent Partner, Nienke Terluin at [email protected].