Permanent – Full time
Have you successfully driven breeding programs? Are you knowledgeable about cool season crops such as brassicas and alliums? Do you enjoy managing and developing breeding teams?
Keen to learn more about the Breeding Group Leader for Cool Crops position?
As a member of the EMEA Research Management team, you will be responsible for managing a group of cool crop Breeders and their Breeding teams across our EMEA territory and working with them to develop breeding strategies.
What will you do?
Breeding Strategy & Program Management
Define and implement short- and long-term breeding goals within the framework of the project plan, budget, and timeframe
Ensure availability of state-of-the-art technologies and breeding methods in the breeding area
Supervise the preparation and management of Opex and Capex budgets per SAKATA guidelines
Leadership + Team Development
Manage and coach Breeders and Breeding teams across EMEA
Lead team performance and drive team development by overseeing HR processes and optimizing use of resources (people, budget, tools)
Motivate and foster teamwork, while challenging and strengthening the technical and genetic quality of breeding programs
Intellectual Property, Compliance & Reporting
Promote and strengthen intellectual property development (PVP, trade secrets, patents) and oversee FTO (Freedom to Operate) assessment
Empower breeding groups to work in a complementary way
Lead internal meetings and participate in key internal platforms
Provide reports and relevant data to stakeholders
Where will you work?
You will be based in one of our offices close to Boston (UK) and manage a breeding team of 8 people. You will report to European and Japanese management structure.
You will work in an international and multi-cultural environment, collaborating with our people in Product Management, Laboratories, Farm, Production, Sales, Supply Chain and other administrative teams. The position requires frequent international travel (>6 times per year).
Do you fit this profile?
You have a PhD and/or Masters degree, with specialization in Plant Sciences and/or Breeding
You have at least 10 years of proven experience in leading a breeding program in the seed industry
You have strong technical knowledge of cool season crops (onion, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.)
You have proven people management and leadership skills, with a hands-on approach to motivate and develop teams.
You have experience in managing breeding teams and scientific teams
You can simultaneously manage multiple projects and respect allocated budgets, timelines, and resources
You are keen to stay up to date with scientific and technological developments in your field of expertise
You have excellent organisational, planning, and prioritisation skills
You are flexible and can deal with changing environments
You are motivated, reliable, and have a disciplined mindset
You have strong communication skills and can bring easily people together to collaborate
You are fluent in English; other languages are an advantage
You have proficiency in MS Office
What are the next steps?
Apply via our website and send us your application in English (Resume and Cover letter) until 03/07/2026
First contact with Mélanie (HR Business Partner)
First Interview with Laura Ann (Deputy Research Director EMEA) + Stuart (Managing Director) + Mélanie (HR Business Partner)
Final interview with Basile (President & CEO) + Lorraine (EMEA HR Director)
The position is available September 1st, 2026.
