About this role
Manager Breeding Tomato
This is why you want to be a Manager Breeding 2 at Enza Zaden
• Take responsibility for leading and strengthening breeding programs for one or multiple crop segments in a global and regional context.
• Play a pivotal role in translating crop strategy into robust breeding execution and delivery.
• Lead larger breeding teams and multidisciplinary projects in a science‑driven, innovation‑focused organization.
• Combine crop expertise, people leadership, and operational excellence to deliver long‑term value through genetics.
Make a difference as Manager Breeding
Reporting to the Head of Breeding / Global Manager Breeding, as Manager Breeding you are responsible for developing and executing breeding strategies for one or multiple crop segments on a global or regional scale. You ensure a strong and continuous pipeline of successful varieties by aligning breeding priorities with crop strategy and translating these into effective execution.
In this tactical–operational role, you lead breeding teams, steer complex programs, and drive innovation through new genetics and technologies, while ensuring consistent delivery and continuous improvement.
You will:
• Lead, coach, and develop breeding teams, ensuring strong performance, engagement, and capability development across cultures.
• Contribute as an active member of the Crop Supply Team, supporting the development and realization of crop segment strategy within agreed budgets and priorities.
• Develop and implement breeding strategies for one or multiple crop segments, aligned with crop strategies and long‑term objectives.
• Design and oversee breeding projects and research initiatives, ensuring clear objectives, prioritization, and effective delivery across programs.
• Ensure optimal day‑to‑day breeding operations, including performance monitoring and effective allocation of people, knowledge, and infrastructure to deliver breeding outcomes.
• Drive the adoption of new genetics, technologies, tools, and processes, strengthening innovation impact and future breeding capabilities in close collaboration with Expert Breeders.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing breeding processes and aligning priorities with R&D leaders and Expert Breeders.
• Provide strong project leadership in multidisciplinary initiatives, coordinating cross‑functional teams and ensuring alignment with senior stakeholders.
This role is suited for an experienced breeding leader who enjoys guiding teams, managing complexity, and delivering breeding impact at scale.
What you bring as a future colleague
• A higher professional education (HBO/Bachelor or higher), preferably in Plant Science or a related field.
• 9–12 years of relevant experience in breeding, variety development, or applied R&D within an agricultural or life‑science environment.
• Broad technical knowledge across disciplines supporting variety development, including breeding, research, and applied technologies.
• Proven people‑management and leadership experience, guiding larger teams and working effectively across cultures through delegation and empowerment.
• Strong ability to steer priorities based on financial insights and customer needs, linking breeding outcomes to commercial value.
• Experience working in cross‑functional and multidisciplinary environments, collaborating with researchers, product developers, and commercial teams.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• You are a confident and people‑oriented breeding manager who brings structure, direction, and energy to complex programs while developing others.
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 or focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people are eating 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 you bring as our future colleague
• Master's degree or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in plant breeding, research, product development, or a related agricultural industry.
• Proven experience leading breeding programs and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in people management, including coaching, mentoring, performance development, and team engagement.
In addition, you have:
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding methodologies, genetics, genomics, and data-driven breeding approaches.
• Experience developing and executing breeding strategies aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire, develop, and coach teams in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across functions, regions, and organizational levels.
• Strong commercial awareness and customer orientation, translating market insights into breeding priorities.
• Advanced analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead change, manage complexity, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience collaborating effectively within global, cross-functional networks, including Research, Product Development, Marketing, Production, and Sales.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach and a strong drive for results.
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.
What you can expect from us
We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.
You can also count on:
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through our Great to Grow program and global learning platform;
• A strong focus on health, well-being, and engagement through various company initiatives and events.
Let’s connect
Looking for a career that grows with you? You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 20 business days.
An assessment is part of the application process. This role cannot be filled on an interim basis. A security screening is also part of our recruitment process.
Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Rosabel Barroso, HR Business Partner at r.barroso@enzazaden.es
Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.
Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.