Jean-Baptiste PIERRE

Head of R&D Operations | Data Science & Analytics Leader | People Management (70+) | Lean Six Sigma | Strategic Capex/Opex Management

Chartres, Centre-Val de Loire, France

About

Strategic leader with a Ph.D. and 15+ years of experience driving R&D efficiency through Data Science and Operational Excellence. I specialize in leading large, multi-cultural teams (up to 70 people) to deliver high-quality product testing and data insights. Expert in Lean Six Sigma, CAPEX/OPEX management, and organizational transformation within highly regulated industries (HSE & Quality). Proven track record in bridging the gap between complex science and commercial success.

Experience

  • Syngenta (Sciartra · Hybrid)
    • Head of R&D Operations (Testing) – Europe
      Apr 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 3 mos

      Managed the European R&D operations (testing) department (70+ employees, 3 management layers). Steered two restructurings and the internalization of activities to optimize footprint and KPI. Controlled multi-million € CAPEX/OPEX budgets and infrastructure across multiple countries. Ensured 100% adherence to strict HSE & Quality standards in highly regulated environments.

    • Senior Data Scientist & R&D Expert - Europe
      Feb 2015 - Apr 2020 · 5 yrs 3 mos

      Data Science: Developed predictive models and computational tools to optimize product selection. Operational Excellence: Implemented Lean Six Sigma (Yellow Belt) to harmonize R&D processes across EAME. Innovation: Bridged the gap between tech/IT and field operations to solve phenotyping bottlenecks.

  • Product Evaluation & Placement Lead at ARVALIS / SYNGENTA
    Jul 2008 - Feb 2015 · 6 yrs 8 mos

    Managed the late-stage development and market-positioning of new products. Coordinated large-scale testing networks and ensured data-driven launch recommendations.

  • Research Engineer at RAGT Group
    Jan 2008 - Jul 2008 · 7 mos

    Genetic diversity.

  • Ph.D Biology - Plant breeding at Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA)
    2005 - 2008 · 3 yrs

    Quantitative genetic of the flowering date on the plant model Medicago truncatula.

  • Technician at Bayer
    Mar 2000 - Aug 2000 · 6 mos