Local Manager R&D 

📍 Murcia, Spain 
🕒 Full-time 

Are you a proactive leader with a strategic mindset and strong coordination skills, eager to support station planning, operational alignment, and performance follow‑up within an international R&D Operations environment? 

This is why you want to join us as Local Manager R&D at Enza Zaden 

At Enza Zaden, we develop innovative vegetable varieties that contribute to a sustainable food chain. As Station Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the optimal performance of our station by overseeing R&D Operations facilities, managing and coordinating crop cultivation activities, and leading, developing, and engaging the local team.  

Working closely with the Country Station Manager and the R&D Operations organization, this role offers an excellent opportunity to continue growing within Station Manager position. You will operate in an international and collaborative environment, always working in line with Enza Zaden’s values, policies, and standards. 

Reporting to the Station Manager, responsible for Spain and located in Almeria, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the station in Murcia and play a key role in delivering high-quality crops and services to breeders and researchers. You are responsible for efficient operations and ensure positive employee experience. 

What are you going to do? 

As a strong and inspiring leader, you provide clear direction and motivation to your teams. You have overall responsibility for the R&D Operations activities at the station and are accountable for the effective execution and coordination of agronomic and routine supporting activities for Breeding, Research and Marketing & Sales, in close interaction with these together with the support of the local teams. 

You define the local multi‑year strategy and are responsible for facilities management and the annual budget, ensuring the station operates efficiently and effectively. You oversee the allocation and alignment of resources, drive continuous improvement of processes and procedures, enhance quality and efficiency, mitigate operational risks, and contribute to cost control. 

You lead a team of approximately 60 employees, including staff, M&S, Breeding team, and an R&D Operations team. You are responsible for workforce planning, team dynamics, and for fostering a station culture that reflects Enza Zaden’s values and principles. 

Make a difference as Junior Station Manager 

1.Accountable for an optimal performing team, through a.o. leading, motivating, coaching, and developing assigned team members. 
2. Allocation of all resources (facilities, property, human resources and budget within R&D Operations) of an R&D station (possibly at multiple locations) and for the facilities for M&S, SO and Staff in a country including investments. 
3. Accountable for the proper execution and coordination of cultivation activities according to the standards defined by the company. 
4. Contribution to and accountable for the implementation of continuous improvement of operations and processes. 
5. Responsible for the R&D team dynamics at the station, ensuring the culture of the local station is in line with Enza Zaden's values and principles.  
6. Contribution to and responsible for the implementation of continuous improvement of operations, processes and procedures. 
7. Responsible for a healthy and safe working environment and compliance with Enza Zaden as well as local regulations 
8. Leading role in International Growing teams and OGSM 

What you bring as a future colleague 

• Have an educational background in Agronomy (BSc (Hons) / MSc degree);  

• Have 8–10 years of experience in the agricultural industry;  

• Have a good understanding of Biotechnology;  

• Bring extensive experience as an inspirational leader and influencer;  

• Are a strong driver of innovation and process optimization;  

• Have proven management experience, including facilities management, finance, HR, and regulatory matters;  

• Are proficient in Spanish and English. 

Enza Zaden as your employer   

With more than 3,000 passionate team members across the world, we're on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal? To deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance. On our mission to feed the world, we challenge ourselves to gain deeper insights and find the next breakthrough. We grow and innovate together, and everyone’s contribution is valued. Throughout our 86 years, our family values, passion, independence and our focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people eat our vegetables every day, something we are very proud of! Our passion isn't just a trademark; it's our driving force, propelling our rapid growth. If you're ready to explore your potential and thrive in a supportive environment, we welcome you to develop your talents with us. The combination of entrepreneurship, initiative and a healthy dose of determination has made Enza Zaden great and brought us where we are today. Enza Zaden is and always will be in motion: in the past, present and future.     

What we offer  

As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of life, so that you can be successful inside and outside of work. We offer:  

• Flexible work arrangements;  

• Access to a variety of wellbeing programs and healthy food options;  

• Laptop + smartphone.  

• Company Car 

• Pension Plan  

• Health Insurance 

We aspire to be a good employer that cares for our employees, both during and after their careers at Enza Zaden. Our most important benefits include:  

• Active partnership in your professional development (personal growth);  

• Tailor-made leadership development programs and global e-learning platform;  

• Employer sponsored retirement benefits.