Data Governance Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Governance Lead to join our Digital & Data Science Group in Biologicals Research. Biologicals research discovers, characterizes, optimizes and produces novel biologicals. Biologicals are derived from nature. They can be naturally occurring microbes, extracts or molecules protecting plants from pests and diseases or improving plant and soil health.

Within this role you will be responsible for establishing, embedding, and continuously improving data governance across Biologicals Research globally. The role ensures that research data is high quality, findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), enabling trusted, data-driven decision making, efficient collaboration, and effective use of digital and data-science capabilities.

Operating across a Biologicals Research community located on five global R&D sites, the role translates Data Excellence principles into practical standards, processes, ownership and operating models for Biologicals Research. It connects local research teams with cross-functional CP R&D governance forums to resolve shared data topics and promote consistent practices.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the implementation of data governance within Biologicals Research.
• Define and maintain Biologicals Research data standards for business-critical data assets.
• Champion FAIR data principles throughout experimental design, data capture, storage, analysis, sharing, and reuse.
• Ensure clear data ownership, stewardship, accountability and sponsorship across Biologicals Research.
• Monitor data quality, completeness, consistency, traceability, and fitness for purpose; coordinate remediation where gaps are identified.
• Partner with scientists, digital teams and RDIT to ensure research workflows and tools support governed, reusable data.
• Represent Biologicals Research in cross-functional data governance forums, aligning business-specific needs with enterprise-wide principles and resolving dependencies.
• Coordinate adoption across global sites, balancing global consistency with justified local requirements.
• Track governance maturity, risks, adoption, and value delivered; provide transparent reporting to the Biologicals Research leadership team.

Profile and capabilities

• Strong understanding of research data lifecycles, scientific data management, and FAIR principles.
• Demonstrated experience implementing data governance, data quality, metadata, master/reference data, or related data-management practices.
• Ability to translate governance concepts into simple, usable processes for scientific teams.
• Credibility working with researchers, digital/IT teams, data scientists, and senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in agile delivery environments, with practical knowledge of agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and iterative product development.
• Skilled in influencing across a matrixed, international organization
• Pragmatic, structured, and outcome-oriented, with strong facilitation and change-management capability.
• Comfortable operating across cultures, time zones, and multiple R&D locations.

What We Offer

• An environment where every voice matters, professional growth is encouraged, and work-life balance is prioritized.
• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to your location along with learning and development opportunities, wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and additional benefits in accordance with local practices.

Compensation

Annual Gross Salary (RAL): €42,000 – €56,000, assessed based on experience

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.