At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate breeding technologies for corn and cereals across Europe and North America.
- Company: Join Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible location, relocation support, and the chance to make a global impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for strategic international collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable agriculture and drive transformative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and 15+ years of commercial experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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:
- 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: This strategic leadership role offers the flexibility to be based in one of three world-class Syngenta sites: 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:
- % 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 in Bracknell employer: Syngenta Seeds
Syngenta is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages strategic thinking and technical excellence, all while providing flexible base locations across Europe. Join us to make a meaningful impact on global food security and be part of a team that leads transformative initiatives in breeding technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Breeding Technologies Europe in Bracknell
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Breeding Technologies Europe in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Don't Forget About Your Portfolio:If you've worked on design or engineering projects, consider including a portfolio to back up your application. This could be anything from photos of completed projects to detailed reports or analyses you've done. It’s an excellent way to visually demonstrate your skills and help us see your potential fit for the full-time Head Of Breeding Technologies Europe role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Syngenta Seeds
✨Master Your Technical Know-How
As an agricultural engineering candidate, you need to showcase your understanding of key concepts like irrigation systems, soil mechanics, and machinery design. Brush up on technical questions that could come your way, especially those related to recent advancements in agricultural technology, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in real-world situations.
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Highlight specific examples where you solved complex engineering problems, particularly those relevant to agriculture. Think about challenges you’ve faced during projects or your coursework and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes; interviewers will love to see your practical experience in action.
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