Science & Research Jobs in Ankara, Turkey (Now Hiring) — 8 open

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s biggest agricultural technology companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. With more than 59,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries, the company strives to transform food production through Regenerative Agriculture - a science-driven, technology-enabled approach to improve soil, deliver high productivity and high-quality food, help fight climate change and restore lost biodiversity. Syngenta Group, which is registered in Shanghai, China, and has its management headquarters in Switzerland, draws strength from its four business units: Syngenta Crop Protection, headquartered in Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds, headquartered in the United States; ADAMA, headquartered in Israel; and Syngenta Group China. Together, these businesses provide industry-leading ways to serve customers around the world.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture!

ROLE PURPOSE

• Lead the regulatory strategy and execution for all crop protection, biological, biocidal, bio-stimulant, and fertilizer products in Turkey, ensuring that registrations are maintained and new product launches comply with national legislation.
• Manage the regulatory team and serve as the primary interface between the company and Turkish competent authorities.
• Ensure registration excellence in alignment with AMEA and Turkey portfolio strategy.
• Provide regulatory expertise and foresight that maximizes business opportunities and protects the License to Operate (LTO).
• Drive lobbying and advocacy activities with MoA, NGOs, trade bodies, and government stakeholders.
• Deliver AMEA regulatory standards, processes, and budgeting within the country.
• Lead, develop, and govern the Turkey Regulatory team.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and execute the annual country registration plan (CP, Biologicals, Biocidal, Bio stimulants, Fertilizer, and Seeds) aligned with AMEA and Turkey portfolio strategy.
• Provide and manage the AMEA-agreed regulatory budget plan for Turkey.
• Ensure all registration projects are included in the regulatory plan with clear prioritization, in cooperation with the CPD, PjM and Marketing Team.
• Execute registrations according to scheduled timelines and provide monthly regulatory reports to the Commercial Unit.
• Ensure compliance of all registration and LTO activities with national legislation and Syngenta standards.
• Lead lobbying and advocacy activities; build and maintain relationships with MoA Registration Committee, governmental bodies, and industry associations.
• Coordinate product defense strategy related to patent infringement, counterfeit, and smuggling products.
• Ensure correct regulatory documentation, labelling, MSDS updates, and Trackwise/Veeva Vault inputs.
• Provide regulatory expertise and foresight to TR CPD, Marketing, Sales, and Supply functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop Regulatory team members; ensure team capability and capacity meet AMEA regulatory standards.
• Participate in Pre-S&OP/S&OP teams and Compliance and Risk Management activities.
• Ensure stewardship measures are in place for safe and sustainable use of products.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & CAPABILITIES

Critical knowledge

• University degree in Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, or related life science field; MSc or PhD preferred.
• Deep knowledge of Turkish pesticide registration legislation (PPP, Biocides, Fertilizers) and MoA regulatory procedures.
• Upper-level English language skills; strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in regulatory management systems (e.g., Veeva Vault, Trackwise) and MS Office.

Critical experience

• Minimum 7 years of regulatory affairs experience in crop protection or related agrochemical industry.
• Proven track record of successful product registrations in Turkey.
• Experience in government relations, lobbying, and advocacy.
• Experience managing and developing a regulatory team.
• Familiarity with AME regulatory frameworks and Syngenta regulatory processes is an advantage.

Critical technical and professional capabilities

• Strategic thinking: ability to translate regulatory risk into business impact and develop country regulatory strategy.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills with authorities and industry associations.
• Foresight on new legislative and scientific trends; proactive issue identification and escalation.
• Project management: ability to manage multiple registration projects simultaneously to time and quality.
• Flexibility in work and willingness to travel within Turkey (Ankara–İzmir) and occasionally internationally.
• Coaching and mentoring capability to develop team members.

Critical Leadership capabilities

• Communicates inspirationally – gains commitment of key stakeholders and aligns team to company strategy.
• Manages Performance to ensure high standards – plans, organizes, and monitors delivery; adapts to a changing environment.
• Develops self and others – coaches team members, provides feedback, and supports growth.
• Focuses energy on must-wins – makes tough decisions and drives results in a complex regulatory environment.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS & KEY CHALLENGES

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Demonstrate efficient advocacy and lobbying to influence key decision makers and protect Syngenta's LTO.
• Deliver the annual registration plan on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain a high-performing, capable regulatory team in Turkey.
• Establish strong partnerships with internal stakeholders (Business, R&D, Supply) and external authorities.

Additional information

• Regular travel between Ankara and İzmir (2–3 times per month).
• Occasional travel within the SEE Territory for alignment meetings.
• Open office and cross-functional team environment.