Sarah Janssen
Brookings,SD
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Project Manager with over 11 years of experience in technology and product management. Proven expertise in leading global, cross-functional teams and driving the development of geospatial tools and data-driven solutions.
Results-oriented professional with a robust background in product management and agile frameworks. Known for fostering team collaboration and driving projects to successful completion. Reliable in adapting to evolving requirements and prioritizing key deliverables, showcasing a strong ability to manage stakeholder expectations. Strong background in data analysis, project support, and stakeholder communication across global teams.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
PRODUCT OWNER | PRODUCT MANAGER | PRODUCT SPECIALIST
SYNGENTA SEEDS
01.2020 - Current
- Remote work environment focused on agricultural technology and product management
- Led global, cross-functional teams in developing and enhancing geospatial tools, optimizing data management and decision-making
- Managed projects remotely, coordinating multiple time zones and ensuring seamless global communication
- Utilized Agile and Scrum methodologies, leading sprint planning, backlog refinement, and cross-team collaboration
- Translated business needs into technical requirements, ensuring smooth alignment between development teams and business stakeholders
- Conducted data analysis to identify patterns, troubleshoot errors, and enhance product accuracy
- Identified and addressed roadblocks, ensuring projects stayed on track and met business goals
- Collaborated with UX/UI teams for product testing and iteration, improving user experience and adoption
- Led field testing initiatives using computer vision and analytics, driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency
- Collaborated with engineering teams on technical feasibility assessments, resulting in realistic project scope definitions.
- Managed backlog prioritization, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I, II, III | SPECIALIST IN APPLIED PHENOTYPING
SYNGENTA SEEDS
01.2009 - 12.2019
- Executed proof-of-concept projects, demonstrating measurable value and operational efficiencies through data-driven approaches
- Performed comprehensive data analysis on trialing experiments, proof-of-concept tests, and pilot projects
- Designed and implemented field trial plans across various regions, improving data accuracy and reliability
- Collaborated with global teams of scientists and breeders, ensuring high-quality agricultural data and insights
- Led data collection and troubleshooting efforts, optimizing processes for internal systems and experimental workflows
- Remote work environment focused on agricultural technology and product management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy
South Dakota State University
01.2010
Part 107 - UAV Unmanned Pilots License -
Federal Aviation Administration
02.2025
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner -
Project Management Institute
01.2024
Going Places with Spatial Analysis -
Esri
01.2019
Associate of Science - Agriculture
Iowa Lakes Community College
01.2007
Skills
- Project Management (Agile, Scrum)
- Global Team Coordination & Communication
- Data Analysis & Troubleshooting
- Geospatial Analytics & GIS (QGIS, Mapbox)
- SQL & Data Management
- JIRA & Agile Development
- Cross-functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- User Testing & Product Strategy
- UAV & Remote Sensing Technologies
Awards
- Seeds Research and Development Award, 2023, Digital Acceleration - Globally rolled out phenotypic GIS solution that enabled data extraction from UAV imagery, integrated with geospatial trial data.
- Seeds Research and Development Award, 2023, Execution - Replacing legacy tools, enabling & delivering workflows to simplify daily tasks and streamline data.
- Seeds Research and Development Award, 2021, Product Pipeline & Innovation - Induced Phenotyping Technology solution to produce quality, repetitive data for faster delivery.
Timeline
PRODUCT OWNER | PRODUCT MANAGER | PRODUCT SPECIALIST
SYNGENTA SEEDS
01.2020 - Current
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I, II, III | SPECIALIST IN APPLIED PHENOTYPING
SYNGENTA SEEDS
01.2009 - 12.2019
Part 107 - UAV Unmanned Pilots License -
Federal Aviation Administration
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner -
Project Management Institute
Going Places with Spatial Analysis -
Esri
Associate of Science - Agriculture
Iowa Lakes Community College
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy
South Dakota State University
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