Head of Breeding Technologies Europe

Syngenta; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural innovation firm is seeking a Head of Breeding Technologies–Europe to lead the development of breeding technology strategy for corn and cereals. The successful candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in commercial plant breeding and a Ph.D. in a related field. This role involves driving strategic initiatives, managing capital planning, and overseeing facility modernization projects, making a global impact on food security from a European base.

Benefits

Comprehensive relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 15+ years commercial plant breeding experience, with exposure to corn and wheat.
• 10+ years senior leadership experience in global programs.
• Proven track record in strategic initiative implementation.

Responsibilities

• Drive corn and cereals breeding technology strategy.
• Lead capital planning and investment initiatives.
• Oversee facility modernization projects.

Skills

Deep expertise in double haploid technology

Proven experience with CMS/sterility technologies

Strong understanding of crop pipelines

Record of improving breeding efficiency

Advanced breeding methodologies

Strong background in plant pathology

Global program management

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, or related field

Job description

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

Senior Leadership Role: Head of Breeding Technologies–Europe

Strategic Global Leadership in Agricultural Innovation - Corn and Cereals

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 – Dynamic Central European innovation center
• Jealott's Hill, United Kingdom – Historic flagship research facility
• De Lier, Netherlands – Advanced agricultural technology hub

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.