Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Group, we're a global community of 56,000 innovators across 90 countries, united by a 250-year legacy of agricultural excellence. As the world's most local agricultural technology partner, we create tailor-made solutions that transform farming while protecting our planet, driven by our commitment to innovation, ethics, and integrity. Through our welcoming environment and varied perspectives, we pioneer breakthrough solutions for farmers, society, and future generations. Join our worldwide teams of agricultural pioneers in creating a more resilient and equitable food system for all. 

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Facilities Management Team is seeking a Site Operations Manager in Durham, NC. This role will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Group Facilities Management (GFM) services across assigned locations. This role oversees multi-site facilities operations, supplier performance, financial management, and the real estate portfolio while partnering with site leaders and key business stakeholders.

Through strong governance, strategic planning, and operational leadership, the Site Operations Manager creates safe, efficient, and high-performing workplaces that support Syngenta's business objectives while optimizing service quality and cost.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of facilities services across multiple sites, such as security, maintenance, cleaning, catering, utilities, workplace services, and portfolio management.
• Provide leadership to the area facilities organization, establishing an effective team structure while promoting clear communication, engagement, accountability, and strong morale.
• Manage budgets and financial performance in partnership with Regional GFM leadership, Finance, and suppliers, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, service quality, and cost efficiency.
• Govern supplier and contract performance through Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), performance reviews, data analysis, issue resolution, and escalation management.
• Serve as a trusted facilities partner to site leadership and regional and global stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and ensuring operational continuity across assigned locations.
• Lead capital, maintenance, and operational projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality, safety, legal, fiscal, ISO, SOX, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the assigned real estate portfolio and related transactions, maintain accurate property data and tracking systems, and develop facilities and real estate strategies aligned with business priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Real Estate, Business, Engineering, or another closely related discipline.
• At least five years of experience in corporate facilities management and real estate operations, such as collaboration with senior- or executive-level stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and cost-optimization initiatives within a complex operational environment.
• Proven experience in contract governance and third-party supplier management, such as oversight of SLAs, KPIs, and supplier performance.
• Strong knowledge of facilities-related regulatory, legal, compliance, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with internal business partners and external suppliers while effectively managing competing priorities and escalations.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and engage teams and stakeholders across geographically dispersed locations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, or enterprise-wide transformation with measurable and sustainable results.
• Experience leading or supporting multicultural teams across multiple countries, regions, or cultures.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to adapt messaging and influence audiences at all organizational levels.
• Working knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, such as their practical application within facilities operations.
• Strong planning and execution skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Ability to quickly learn Syngenta's Crop Protection business strategy and translate business needs into effective facilities and real estate solutions.
• Proficiency in additional languages is highly valued.

• This position follows a hybrid work arrangement and requires an on-site presence at least four days per week.
• Periodic travel throughout North America is required based on business needs, not to exceed approximately 10% annually.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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: 5A

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