Team Leader Breeding Melon

Rijk Zwaan; Almería; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Rijk Zwaan in Almería, Spain, seeks a Team Leader breeding for the Melon department. You will lead a local team of five, coordinating breeding goals, and collaborating with international R&D specialists to advance melon varieties.

You bring an MSc in genetics or breeding, proven experience leading a breeding program, at least two years managing a research team, and fluent English. Travel 4–6 times a year; permanent contract and strong development focus are offered.

Qualifications

• MSc in genetics or breeding is required.
• Proven experience leading a breeding program.
• At least 2 years managing a research team.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of five breeders and assistants.
• Organize breeding goals across local programs and manage one program.
• Initiate new projects aligned with crop strategy.
• Prepare strategic crop meetings and coordinate stakeholders.
• Contribute to development and implementation of new technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project planning

Communication

Breeding

Education

MSc in Genetics/Breeding

Tools

Breeding software

Job description

Master

Are you looking for that unique combination of leading people, organizing processes and breeding varieties, and do you have excellent communication skills? Then you are the Team Leader Breeding Melon we are looking for our site in Almería.

Research & Breeding

Master

Are you looking for that unique combination of leading people, organizing processes and breeding varieties, and do you have excellent communication skills? Then you are the Team Leader breeding, we are looking for our site in Almería.

What does your role as Team Leader breeding entail?

As a Team Leader breeding, you are part of the Melon breeding department. The department focuses on the development of new varieties for Melon. You will manage a team consisting of 5 colleagues including breeders and assistants. As a Team Leader, you manage a local team and interact with specialists from various departments internationally, both in R&D and operations.

You will also be involved in:

• Motivating, guiding, and managing colleagues in the execution of their tasks and projects, paying special attention to their personal development
• Organizing, directing, and timely adjusting the various breeding goals across the local breeding programs with the breeders while managing one breeding program yourself Initiating new projects in line with the crop strategy
• Be involved in preparing strategic crop meetings
• Thinking along and participating in new initiatives and projects focused on development and implementation of new technologies and software in breeding

Your contribution

You are proactive, communicative, and empathic. You bring people together easily and enjoy providing both structure and guidance for the employees in their work.

You naturally think in solutions and opportunities.

You are able to keep a clear view of the result within a multidisciplinary environment and to involve all stakeholders and interests. Given the international nature of the position, you are willing to travel about 4-6 times a year. In addition, your CV ticks the following boxes:

• You have at least a Msc degree with a specialization on genetics and/or breeding
• You have proven experience in leading a breeding program
• You have at least 2 years of experience in managing research team
• You are fluent in English

What can you expect from us?

As Team Leader breeding, you will be part of the Melon department. Rijk Zwaan offers the opportunity to initiate and execute research that affects the world food supply. In addition to an ever-expanding international working environment, we are pleased to offer you:

• A permanent contract right from the start
• Working hours from Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 17:00, and Fridays from 08:00 to 14:00, with breakfast and lunch included on site.
• A great benefits package.
• A wide range of training opportunities.
• A friendly and supportive working environment.
• The opportunity to work in a well-recognised international company with a strong focus on innovation, people, and long-term vision.