Team Leader Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

About the job

Company Description

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we develop pioneering solutions that protect global food security while promoting sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature’s toughest challenges. We combine advanced science with digital solutions to develop smart crop protection that maximises yields while minimising environmental impact. Join us in our mission to revolutionise crop protection from sowing to harvest.

Did you know that Syngenta holds the Friendly Working Space certificate?

Health Promotion Switzerland recognises Syngenta’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its employees and awards all Swiss locations with the "Friendly Work Space" label. At Syngenta, employee health and wellbeing are key to business success. Read more here: https://friendlyworkspace.ch/de/das-label/das-sind-die-label-friendly-work-space-betriebe

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing high-quality seed and innovative crop protection solutions that enhance farmers’ success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s hiring team is seeking an Onsite Team Leader Technical Assistant (m/f/d) in Muttenz, Switzerland.

Role Purpose

The Team Leader Technical Assistant (m/f/d) assumes disciplinary and professional line responsibility for 3 to 6 Technical Assistants and ensures the safe, quality-compliant, and timely operation of the assigned production lines. As the first leadership level according to the Syngenta Leadership Model, they are responsible for the performance, development, and wellbeing of the directly reporting employees.

The team leader acts as a central interface between the Production Chemist, the Shift Personnel, and the Support Functions, makes independent operational decisions, and actively promotes a culture of continuous improvement and personal responsibility within the team.

HSEQ:

• Ensures the proper operation of production equipment according to applicable HSEQ standards and holds line responsibility for team compliance.
• Supports high HSE and quality standards in documentation according to internal and external guidelines.
• Actively contributes to continuous improvement of standards and processes (HSEQ, OPEX); shares technical expertise and participates in PRAs as needed.

Production:

• Contact person and knowledge bearer for specialised process matters; utilises technical expertise and collaborates with support services (Engineering, PTAI, QC, getec) to solve problems.
• Initiates, implements, and documents continuous process improvements; coordinates production trials for learning curves, capacity increases, and troubleshooting.
• Supports the production chemist in instructing shift workers and supervises equipment cleaning before and after campaigns.
• Creates and improves production and cleaning recipes in the process control system (DeltaV); develops operating instructions, work procedures, and risk analyses.
• Coordinates raw material and packaging supply as well as shipping according to the production plan with planning and logistics; makes significant contributions to the introduction of new products.

Leadership:

• Leads, coaches, and develops a team of 3–6 Technical Assistants according to the Syngenta Leadership Model; conducts performance reviews and defines individual goals.
• Plans and manages team deployment (holiday planning, capacity management) and ensures operational coverage at all times.
• Identifies development potential, initiates training measures, and is responsible for structured onboarding of new employees.
• Ensures transparent information flow within the team and represents team interests in cross-departmental forums.

Qualifications

• Chemical technician or chemical and pharmaceutical technologist
• At least 3–5 years of experience as a Technical Assistant / Process Assistant with proven technical achievements
• Experience in informal or formal leadership of employees or project teams
• Extensive experience with DeltaV
• Excellent knowledge of equipment, processes, and production recipes (DeltaV, P&ID, chemistry)
• Solid understanding of on-site applied risk analyses (process, work permits, PRA)
• Good knowledge of HSEQ standards
• Basic knowledge in personnel management: performance management, employee development, and deployment planning
• Adaptable, eager to learn, and resilient in a changing environment
• Fluent in German, both spoken and written

Additional Information

What we offer

• We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits, including:
• A position contributing to valuable and impactful work in an inspiring and international environment
• The opportunity to make a difference for process safety, both within Syngenta’s global operations and in shaping safety regulations and culture worldwide
• An excellent working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome
• The chance to collaborate with and learn from highly qualified and experienced colleagues and to achieve scientific and technical excellence
• A learning culture (Together we Grow) and a wide range of training opportunities
• You benefit from a competitive pension plan, flexible working arrangements, attractive bonus system, company doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other advantages (family-friendly initiatives, child and family allowances…)

Please send your complete application including CV, diploma, and work certificates (if available).

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.