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.