The Limagrain Maize Breeding organization is expanding, and we are looking for a candidate to join our organization to lead hybrid breeding and testing teams in West Europe for mid maturities.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop your career, working in a multidisciplinary and international environment, to contribute to the development of breeding strategies and its implementations, in order to create new varieties in line with the market needs.

In conjunction with the Head of Breeding program, you will be in charge of:

STRATEGY/BUSINESS OPERATIONS:

- Define the short-, medium- and long-term objectives of the hybridization project and the target portfolio with development and marketing teams.

- Develop breeding direction and germplasm strategies to bring new hybrids on the market

- Develop the trialing strategy (short to medium-term)

- Develop a good understanding of business challenges through interactions with all relevant stakeholders, including competitors, government officials and/or public institute.

- Lead local collaborations and propose exchanges with public and private partners.

- Steers innovation in coordination with relevant internal or external stakeholders and maintain a high technical and scientific level in the Maize European team.

OPERATIONS:

- Deliver hybrids for your market segment to product development team.

- Implement the breeding strategy and manage the hybrid breeding project

- Decide on crossing plan to produce “pre-application” hybrids.

- Maintain a high level of trial quality and ensure continuous improvements.

- Manage and take charge of the assessment of hybrids, visit and score trials and nurseries

- Develop and maintain expert knowledge of germplasm to understand the usefulness of lines and hybrids across environments

- Develop and follow germplasm exchange programs with third parties.

- Analyze all data with appropriate tools and take breeding decisions.

- Optimize breeding strategy by fully integrating novel technologies available

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:

- Manage testing teams in Nérac and Colmar

- Mentor, coach and develop your team

- Promote innovation and maintain high technical and scientific level of his / her team.

- Play a key role in the management of the relevant stations: facilitate coordination with other teams, resources organization and resources sharing.

- Ensure that all team members follow the company standards (health, safety and environment and other).

- Develop a strong relationship with the product development team and the local business.

- Develop close relationship with Maize breeders operating in other programs or other territories as well as other key partners of the Limagrain Field Seed Research organization

FINANCE:

- Propose and follow budgets and investments for your perimeter and appropriately justify any deviations.

You have a PhD or Master's Degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics, or in a similar field and at least 10 years of experience in a similar position (Maize Breeder or other hybrid species in a commercial program).

You have specific knowledge in plant breeding, genetics, and agronomy; you are familiar with the seed industry. Knowledge of the target region and associated biotic and abiotic stresses and germplasm would be appreciated.

Skills in using software to analyze and manage data, present results and reporting are required.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical skills are also necessary to ensure your success. You have strong communication, influencing and leadership skills and experience in team management and project management.

Finally, your English and French must be fluent.

Joining the Limagrain group is a thrilling challenge with the possibility of working in a friendly environment with competent and passionate teams. This position can be located in Colmar (68) or Nérac (47), in France and will require occasional travel.