At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical excellence and support business growth in West & Central Africa's agriculture.
- Company: Join Syngenta, a global leader in sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while working in a diverse and innovative environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for extensive travel and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of farming and contribute to global food security.
- Qualifications: Degree in Agronomy or related field; 5-8 years experience in crop protection.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. Syngenta is part of Syngenta Group with 53,000 people in more than 100 countries and is working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for carbon neutral agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy and partnering for impact.
The Technical Leader – West & Central Africa is responsible for driving technical excellence and supporting Syngenta’s business growth across the region. The role provides technical leadership for product development, launches, positioning, and stewardship, while acting as a key technical partner to Commercial, Marketing, Regulatory, and Field teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate regional technical field scientist & technical activities (field trials, product development, demonstrations, and technical support) across West & Central Africa.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), including trial design, execution, data analysis, and technical positioning.
- Act as the regional technical reference for crop protection solutions, providing expert support to Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, and CPD teams.
- Translate agronomic and biological data into clear technical recommendations for product positioning and portfolio strategy.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders (research institutes, key growers, distributors, universities, and authorities).
- Deliver technical training to internal teams, customers, and partners to strengthen product knowledge and field execution.
- Ensure all technical activities comply with Syngenta HSE standards, stewardship guidelines, and local regulatory requirements.
- Monitor pest, disease, and resistance trends in the region and contribute to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
- Provide technical input for strategic planning and long-term portfolio development in West & Central Africa.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Protection, Entomology, or a related field.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in crop protection, agronomy, technical development, or field trial management.
- Strong technical knowledge of crop protection products, pests, diseases, and cropping systems relevant to West & Central Africa.
- Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across cross-functional and multicultural teams.
- Experience in planning, executing, and interpreting field trials and translating results into commercial value.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Fluent in English; French is a strong advantage due to regional coverage.
- Willingness to travel extensively within West & Central Africa.
Key Competencies
- Technical leadership and credibility
- Strong agronomic and biological expertise
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Stakeholder management and relationship building
- Project management and execution focus
- Strategic mindset with strong field orientation
At Syngenta, we are committed to improving global food security through sustainable agriculture. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on farming systems across West & Central Africa while working in a diverse, dynamic, and innovation-driven environment.
Technical Lead West & Central Africa employer: Syngenta
Syngenta is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Huddersfield Manufacturing Centre where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from a diverse culture and a comprehensive benefits package that supports both personal and career growth, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in production technical support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead West & Central Africa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Syngenta and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in crop protection and sustainability. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical knowledge! Brush up on the latest trends in agronomy and crop protection relevant to West & Central Africa. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Syngenta team and making a difference in agriculture.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead West & Central Africa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience in crop protection and agronomy, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable agriculture and how your background aligns with our mission at Syngenta. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical knowledge of crop protection products and your experience with field trials. We’re looking for someone who can translate complex data into actionable insights, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there. Let’s make this happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syngenta
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to crop protection and agronomy. Be prepared to discuss specific products, pest management strategies, and how they apply to the West & Central Africa region. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also translate it into practical applications.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully coordinated projects or led cross-functional teams. Highlight how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders and contributed to team success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in the field, such as pest resistance or product positioning. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, using data analysis and strategic thinking to back up your decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to train internal teams or present to external stakeholders. Being able to convey your ideas clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
