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 to lead and develop effective and efficient breeding programs and support the research programs of oilseeds rape (OSR), sunflower (SF) and sorghum (SG) breeding to secure long-term a competitive product pipeline for all strategic 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) and 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 and 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 a 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 an efficient collaboration and information flow with the respective stations. short term request 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 the leadership meetings, represent you own crops but also develop a cross-crop mindset. Act as sponsors for some projects. Collaborate in the interest of KWS R&D activities and efficient deliveries.
• Exchange with external industry and scientific partners, represent 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 and with excellent knowledge of modern breeding tools. Ideally you have worked already 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 language, 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.
 

If you know someone in your network suitable to this role, please share the posting and encourage this person to apply!