Make a difference as Manager Breeding Cucurbita (Squash & Pumpkin)

As Manager Breeding Cucurbita, you are responsible for the success of the Squash and Pumpkin breeding programs on an international scale.

You are responsible for developing and implementing breeding strategies to ensure a strong and sustainable pipeline of new varieties that meet grower and market needs.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing breeding teams (6 breeders and 2 assistants) on 3 locations (Châteaurenard, Almeria, Voorst).
• Developing and implementing breeding strategies for Squash and Pumpkin in alignment with the long-term objectives of the company.
• Actively contributing to the definition and execution of the Squash and Pumpkin strategy as a member of the international crop management teams.
• Ensuring the performance of breeding programs through effective management of priorities, resources, expertise and infrastructure.
• Driving the adoption of new technologies, tools and breeding approaches to strengthen innovation and future breeding capabilities.
• Leading multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with Research, Product Development and other business functions.

This position is located on our R&D station in Châteaurenard (France). You will have regular interactions with your team, colleagues on-site, and abroad with regular business trips to Spain, the Netherlands and Turkey.

What you bring as our future colleague

• A master's degree or engineering degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant sciences, plant breeding, or a relatied field, with several years of experience on a similar position.
• Natural leadership skills with the ability to connect, develop, coach, motivate your team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Very good communication skills in French and English.
• A sharp mind, you know when to step up the pace and can make quick decisions if necessary.
• Combination of technical expertise with leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.
• Flexibility, perseverance, pragmatism and results orientation.

Enza Zaden as an employer

Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yield and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.

We’re passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

What you can expect from us

• A permanent employment contract.
• An annual arrangement of 211 working days.
• A company car.
• A transparent compensation policy, including continuous salary progression and a bonus scheme.
• A development program designed to support the growth and success of every employee.
• A hybrid working arrangement governed by a remote work policy.
• A gross annual salary ranging from €68,600 to €97,900 (depending on your experience, skills, and profile).

Let’s connect
Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button and send our application in English and French. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step as soon as possible.

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter, at [email protected].

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