For KWS Vegetables BV, we are looking for an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Business Unit Vegetables R&D with a focus on Breeding. In this global leadership position, you will be responsible for steering the Business Unit Vegetables in close collaboration with your peer Business Unit Head Vegetables, who focuses on the commercial part to jointly shape the future of KWS's vegetable seeds business. As part of the Global Leadership Team of KWS Group, you will collaborate with other BU Heads and corporate functions to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a global scope, and you will be reporting directly to the  Executive Board. The role will be based in Andijk or Wageningen in the Netherlands.
 

Your Tasks - Challenge meets Responsibility:

• Strategic Leadership: Successfully steer the BU Vegetables, including the global Research & Development strategy, and align activities with corporate functions.
• Global R&D Management: Lead the global Research & Development efforts of the BU Vegetables, encompassing breeding and research activities.
• P&L Responsibility: Oversee the Profit & Loss (P&L) of the BU Vegetables, in close cooperation with the other BU Head, ensuring financial performance aligns with KWS Group’s objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Take ownership of cross-functional and cross-BU projects within the KWS Group, ensuring effective collaboration and synergy.
• Global Leadership: Actively participate in the Global Leadership Team, contributing to the overall strategy and success of KWS Group.
• Implementation of Corporate Initiatives: Announce and implement group-wide RGPs (Rules Guidance procedures) in alignment with other BU Heads and global functions.
• Possible additional functions: Manage and develop other business functions within the  BU, depending on the business need and strategic goals. 

Your Profile - Competence meets Personality:

• Educational Background: University degree (MSc or equivalent) in agricultural sciences or a related field.
• Industry Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the seed industry, with a preference for experience in vegetable seeds.
• Leadership Experience: Several years of experience leading leaders, with proven success in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Entrepreneurship: Strong strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and planning skills, with a critical and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent people skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a global team and manage cross-functional projects.
• Language Skills: Fluent in spoken and written English; proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.
• Change Management: Open to change and adapt at navigating and leading through complex, dynamic environments.

What we offer to help you grow:

• An exceptionally interesting and varied job in an international environment with the opportunity to contribute innovative ideas
• The perfect mix between a corporate working environment and the freedom to act as an entrepreneur within the company
• Working in an international, highly motivated and dynamic team with flat hierarchies
• Flexible working hours depending on individual and business needs
• As a family-run company, we live by the values of team spirit, closeness and trust, independence and vision - a culture that is also lived in practice, e.g. through an open and friendly work atmosphere
• Close to the motto: "Make Yourself Grow!" we promote individual professional and personal development.

We look forward to receiving your application!