Manager Breeding Tomato

Manager Breeding Tomato

Take responsibility for leading and strengthening breeding programs for one or multiple crop segments in a global and regional context. Play a pivotal role in translating crop strategy into robust breeding execution and delivery. Lead larger breeding teams and multidisciplinary projects in a science‑driven, innovation‑focused organization. Combine crop expertise, people leadership, and operational excellence to deliver long‑term value through genetics. Make a difference as Manager Breeding reporting to the Head of Breeding / Global Manager Breeding.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop breeding teams, ensuring strong performance, engagement, and capability development across cultures.
• Contribute as an active member of the Crop Supply Team, supporting the development and realization of crop segment strategy within agreed budgets and priorities.
• Develop and implement breeding strategies for one or multiple crop segments, aligned with crop strategies and long‑term objectives.
• Design and oversee breeding projects and research initiatives, ensuring clear objectives, prioritization, and effective delivery across programs.
• Ensure optimal day‑to‑day breeding operations, including performance monitoring and effective allocation of people, knowledge, and infrastructure to deliver breeding outcomes.
• Drive the adoption of new genetics, technologies, tools, and processes, strengthening innovation impact and future breeding capabilities in close collaboration with Expert Breeders.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing breeding processes and aligning priorities with R&D leaders and Expert Breeders.
• Provide strong project leadership in multidisciplinary initiatives, coordinating cross‑functional teams and ensuring alignment with senior stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• A higher professional education (HBO/Bachelor or higher), preferably in Plant Science or a related field.
• 9–12 years of relevant experience in breeding, variety development, or applied R&D within an agricultural or life‑science environment.
• Broad technical knowledge across disciplines supporting variety development, including breeding, research, and applied technologies.
• Proven people‑management and leadership experience, guiding larger teams and working effectively across cultures through delegation and empowerment.
• Strong ability to steer priorities based on financial insights and customer needs, linking breeding outcomes to commercial value.
• Experience working in cross‑functional and multidisciplinary environments, collaborating with researchers, product developers, and commercial teams.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Proven experience leading breeding programs and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding methodologies, genetics, genomics, and data‑driven breeding approaches.
• Experience developing and executing breeding strategies aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire, develop, and coach teams in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high‑performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across functions, regions, and organizational levels.
• Strong commercial awareness and customer orientation, translating market insights into breeding priorities.
• Advanced analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proven ability to lead change, manage complexity, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience collaborating effectively within global, cross‑functional networks, including Research, Product Development, Marketing, Production, and Sales.

Benefits

• Active partnership in professional development (personal growth).
• Tailor‑made leadership development programs and global e‑learning platform.
• Employer‑sponsored retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through the Great to Grow program and global learning platform.
• Strong focus on health, well‑being, and engagement through various company initiatives and events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.

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