Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

Company Description

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Its 60,000 people across more than 100 countries strive to transform agriculture through breakthrough products and technologies that play a vital role in enabling the food chain to feed the world safely, sustainably and with respect for our planet. Swiss headquartered and Chinese-owned, the Group 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 – that provide industry-leading ways to serve customers everywhere.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet.

Job Description

The  Executive Assistant provides administrative support in a one-on-one, as well as group, working relationship serving as the primary point of contact for all administrative matters pertaining to the Office of the CFO and the General Counsel, including multiple distinct functions that report into the CFO. The Assistant also serves as a liaison for matters that span across corporate functions and oversees special projects on behalf of the CFO and the General Counsel.

Accountabilities:

- Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks including: managing extremely active calendars of appointments, completing expense reports, composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential; arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries and agenda; and compiling documents for travel-related meetings.

- Provides administrative support related to organizing the CFO’s and the General Counsel's personal commitments.

- Plans, coordinates and ensures the schedule is followed and respected. - Provides “gatekeeper” and *gateway* role, creating win-win situations for direct access to the calendars and the office.

- Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously, proactively and follows through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.

- Coordinates multiple internal and external meetings with various stakeholders.

Oversees special projects and requests as necessary.

- Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines appropriate course of action, referral, or response.

- Works closely and effectively with the CFO and the General Counsel to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately.

- Follows up to ensure requests, deliverables and correspondence are responded to on a timely basis, establish tracking/feedback system to ensure issues are recorded, addressed and resolved.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 5 years’ experience supporting at an Executive level in a global company

- Ability to proactively deal with complex issues and to effectively work independently on projects, from conception to completion, in a complex multi-dimensional matrix organization

- Being able to work under pressure and adaptable to various competing demands, while keeping a high quality of output and able to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities

- Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders as well as all levels in the organization

- Ability to consistently apply good judgement in a variety of situations, with business fluent written and verbal communication skills in English, administrative and organizational skills and a strong attention to detail

- Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability

- Adaptability to accommodate a demanding schedule

- Highly proficient in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

- Understanding of agricultural business and industry drivers preferred

Additional information:

- We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment  

- The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced professionals

- A superb working environment at our Headquarters in Basel with modern offices, an open culture and diverse workforce

- Learning culture (Together we Grow)

- A competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits including family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance and many more

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.