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- Tasks: Lead and innovate breeding technologies for corn and cereals across Europe and North America.
- Company: Global leader in crop protection, committed to sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Flexible locations, relocation support, and a chance to make a global impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food security through cutting-edge agricultural innovation.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and 15+ years of commercial experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Company Description: As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all - while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.
Job Description: We are seeking a senior scientific leader to architect and advance our global breeding technology strategy, with a primary focus on accelerating innovation within the European corn and cereals pipelines while ensuring strong technical integration with North American programs. This role is central to shaping the next generation of breeding technologies across continents, driving translational research, platform development, and data-enabled decision-making at scale.
Strategic Position Overview: As Head of Breeding Technologies - Europe, you'll hold a key position within our global Temperate Hub Applied Teams function, while serving as an integral member of the European leadership team. This senior role combines strategic vision with technical excellence to advance our position as a leader in corn and cereals breeding innovation.
Global Strategic Impact:
- Drive corn and cereals breeding technology strategy with global alignment
- Lead cross-continental initiatives between Europe and North America
- Develop and execute 5-year capital investment strategies
- Shape facility and technology development roadmaps
- Champion technological innovation across regions
- Influence global breeding practices through multi-regional collaboration
Technical Requirements:
- Deep expertise in double haploid technology for both corn and wheat systems
- Proven experience with CMS/sterility technologies and their implementation in corn and wheat breeding programs
- Strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in both crop pipelines focusing on germplasm characterization and selection for disease
- Track record of improving DH and CMS/sterility efficiency in commercial breeding programs
Strategic Leadership Responsibilities:
- Direct strategic development of breeding technologies
- Lead capital planning and investment initiatives to drive breeding pipeline productivity
- Oversee facility modernization projects
- Manage complex, multi-crop and cross-continental initiatives
Senior Leadership Scope:
- Global reporting through Temperate Hub Applied Teams
- Strategic partnership with North American pipeline teams
- Capital investment planning and execution
- Technology roadmap development
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Budget oversight and strategic resource allocation
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, or related field
- 15+ years commercial plant breeding experience, with significant exposure to both corn and wheat breeding
- 10+ years senior leadership experience in global programs
- Proven track record in strategic initiative implementation
- Experience in capital planning and facility development
- Demonstrated success in DH and CMS technology advancement
Technical Excellence:
- Advanced breeding methodologies in corn and cereals
- Strong background in plant pathology
- Deep understanding of disease screening methodologies
- Ability to innovate and improve high-throughput disease screening systems
- Molecular markers and breeding technologies
- Facility and technology development at scale
- Process optimization and scaling
- Global program management
Additional Information:
- Flexible European Base Locations: Budapest, Hungary; Jealott's Hill, United Kingdom; De Lier, Netherlands
- Relocation Support Available: Syngenta provides comprehensive relocation assistance to help you transition smoothly to your chosen location. Please note: visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
- Global Impact from a European Base: 15-20% travel within Europe - Connect with cutting-edge breeding sites and research facilities across the continent. Strategic international engagement - Collaborate with North and Central American teams to drive cross-continental innovation.
Why This Matters: Join a global team at the forefront of agricultural innovation. From your European base, you'll shape breeding technology strategy that impacts food security worldwide-leading transformative initiatives in corn and cereals that bridge continents and define the future of sustainable agriculture. Shape the future. Lead the innovation. Make a global impact.
Head of Breeding Technologies Europe (m/f/d) employer: Syngenta Group
Contact Detail:
Syngenta Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Breeding Technologies Europe (m/f/d)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at conferences. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready to show your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your work or case studies that highlight your achievements in breeding technologies. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Breeding Technologies Europe (m/f/d)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Breeding Technologies role. Highlight your experience in plant breeding and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Syngenta!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about breeding technologies and how you can contribute to our global strategy. Let us know what excites you about the role and our work.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved processes in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syngenta Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of double haploid technology and CMS/sterility technologies. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past breeding programmes, as this role demands deep expertise in these areas.
✨Show Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for advancing breeding technologies. Think about how you would align European initiatives with North American programmes and be ready to share specific examples of strategic initiatives you've led in the past.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This is a senior leadership role, so be prepared to discuss your experience managing cross-functional teams and overseeing complex projects. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others in a global context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about the company's breeding technology strategy and future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.