Liliana Sanchez
Coto Laurel,Puerto Rico
Summary
Results-driven leader with 19 years of expertise in agriculture operations, specializing in seed production, research, and operational excellence, Business Continuity and Project management. Eager to leverage strategic insight, scientific leadership, and a strong commitment to innovation to foster impactful advancements within the biotechnology sector. My goal is to drive transformative change through effective team management, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration, contributing meaningfully to the organization’s growth and success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Site Head
Syngenta Seeds
Puerto Rico
06.2014 - Current
- Direct research and development operations for Syngenta’s Puerto Rico site, overseeing Crop, Agronomy, Seed Operations, and Data and Technology teams
- Manage capital and budget allocations to optimize resource utilization and financial performance while ensuring adherence to regulatory, health, safety, and environmental standards
- Spearheaded the implementation of a Germplasm Coordinator role to standardize Crop Playbooks and data collection across nursery sites globally
- Lead annual crop planning, cost forecasting, and demand planning, driving seed production to meet quantity, quality, and timing KPIs
Research Scientist Operations
Dupont Pioneer
Mexico
06.2011 - 02.2014
- Supervised operations at the Research Center, managing six employees and leading pre-planting, post-harvest, and support areas
- Led site certification as ISO9001 Site Certification Leader and implemented Lean Practitioner and Six Sigma methodologies
- Achieved a 120% increase in productivity for the corn processing line by optimizing workflows and reducing non-value-added steps in the corn drying process
- Saved $60k by reducing variance in seed packing, decreasing seed shipment requirements, and standardizing export procedures to reduce processing time from seven to two days
Senior Research Supervisor – Operations & Maize Product Development
Dupont Pioneer
Mexico
06.2007 - 05.2011
- Oversaw corn nursery and isolation trials, as well as all operational and post-harvest activities at the R&D site
- Directed a team of four and implemented Six Sigma projects, significantly enhancing site efficiency and resource utilization
- Successfully drove key operational improvements that ensured smooth site functionality and aligned with corporate productivity goals
Research Associate Operations
Dupont Pioneer
Mexico
11.2004 - 05.2007
- Managed post-harvest and seed import/export operations, including corn isolation trials, and supported sorghum and soybean trials
- Participated in key process improvement initiatives, contributing to the optimization of site procedures and standards
Education
Master’s in Science - Quality Systems and Productivity
ITESM Campus Guadalajara
Guadalajara, MexicoMaster in Landscaping -
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid
Madrid, SpainBachelor’s in Agronomy Production - Crop Production, Aquaculture
ITESM Campus Queretaro
Queretaro, MexicoSkills
- Team Leadership
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Quality Assurance
- Effective Communication
- Process Improvement
- Standardization
- Efficiency Enhancement
- Productivity Improvement
Certification
- Green Belt Six Sigma, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Guadalajara, MX
- Lean Practitioner, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Des Moines, IA
- Quality Management System Auditor, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Santiago, CL
Leadership Experience
- Known for clear, open communication that fosters trust and collaboration across organizational levels.
- Dedicated to achieving ambitious goals, consistently delivering on commitments, and inspiring teams to exceed targets.
- Actively involved in community outreach as the President of the Puerto Rico Biotechnology Association (PRABIA), promoting local biotechnological advancements.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
A1
Accomplishments
- Puerto Biotechnology Industry Association President 2022-2024
References
References available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Site Head
Syngenta Seeds
06.2014 - Current
Research Scientist Operations
Dupont Pioneer
06.2011 - 02.2014
Senior Research Supervisor – Operations & Maize Product Development
Dupont Pioneer
06.2007 - 05.2011
Research Associate Operations
Dupont Pioneer
11.2004 - 05.2007
- Green Belt Six Sigma, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Guadalajara, MX
- Lean Practitioner, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Des Moines, IA
- Quality Management System Auditor, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Santiago, CL
Master’s in Science - Quality Systems and Productivity
ITESM Campus Guadalajara
Master in Landscaping -
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid
Bachelor’s in Agronomy Production - Crop Production, Aquaculture
ITESM Campus Queretaro
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