As part of the KWS Product Development Cluster for maize, oilseed rape, sunflower and sorghum, the Head (all gender) of Breeding oilseeds rape, sunflower and sorghum is responsible for leading and developing effective and efficient breeding programs and supporting the research programs of oilseeds rape (OSR), sunflower (SF), and sorghum (SG) breeding to secure a competitive product pipeline for all strategically relevant markets.
This role could be done from our locations in Einbeck (headquarter, Germany), Mons-en-Pévèle (France), Alzonne (France), Kozármisleny (Hungary), or Monselice (Italy) with a hybrid working option (partly remote) within these countries. We will be happy to see you starting with us around July 2025 or earlier on a permanent contract with one of the local KWS legal entities of the KWS Group.
Key responsibilities for the dedicated role:
* Develop and secure a competitive oilseeds rape (OSR), sunflower (SF), and sorghum (SG) product portfolio based on market demands.
* Translate KWS strategy for the business unit into a product development strategy and implement accordingly; align breeding and trait priorities with the different business units.
* Develop, implement, and maintain efficient and effective breeding programs and foster synergies between the breeding programs.
* Develop a mid-/long-term vision for the respective breeding programs regarding product profile and technologies development.
* Annual and mid-term planning of programs and projects, including sizing and breeding organization setup, capabilities and operations, budget (opex), and related capex impact.
* Secure systematic interaction with the team “Breeding Technology Application” (BTA): defining common and aligned priorities; ensure an efficient transfer of knowledge and tools into routine applications.
* Secure efficient collaboration and information flow with the respective stations, from short-term requests to long-term strategy; aligned priorities and continuous improvement between the respective breeding programs and BRS (Breeding Research Services).
* Hire, develop, and lead highly qualified breeders expressing an entrepreneurial mindset, strong performance, customer orientation, and team spirit.
* Actively contribute to leadership meetings, represent your own crops but also develop a cross-crop mindset; act as sponsors for some projects and collaborate in the interest of KWS R&D activities and efficient deliveries.
* Exchange with external industry and scientific partners, representing the position of KWS breeding externally.
What you bring into the role:
* A university degree in Breeding, Agriculture engineering, Biology, or comparable study courses.
* Long-term experience in hybrid breeding, breeding methodology, and quantitative genetics/predictive breeding in an international workforce, with excellent knowledge of modern breeding tools. Ideally, you have already worked with one of the crops: oilseeds rape (OSR), sunflower (SF), or sorghum (SG).
* Exemplary leadership with a focus on enterprising, innovation, engagement, and collaboration.
* Demonstrated and proven strong competencies in people management and leadership.
* Entrepreneurship, flexibility, and autonomy.
* Strategic thinking and independent problem solving.
* Team spirit and ability to connect with other teams and departments.
* Excellent communication skills in fluent English; German and/or French language skills will be a plus.
* Willingness to travel of about 30%.
Step up and push your career with this important role in our organization! We welcome all applications (in English) online via our tool.
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