Regulatory Lead
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.