Global Head of Breeding & R&D

Bakker Brothers; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International work environment

Leadership development opportunities

Travel opportunities (international)

Competitive employment conditions

Job summary

Bakker Brothers, an international vegetable seed breeding company, seeks a strategic Head of Breeding & R&D to lead its global breeding and R&D agenda from the Noord-Scharwoude head office.

The role requires strong leadership of international teams, advanced breeding tech know-how and a focus on delivering commercially successful varieties while driving innovation. English fluency and 15% travel expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; PhD or additional business qualification preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in breeding, R&D or related technologies.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership within breeding/research or innovation-driven organisations.
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding technologies.
• Experience leading international, multicultural teams.
• Proven experience in R&D management, budgeting and project management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English; other languages advantageous; willingness to travel internationally (15%).

Responsibilities

• Define and execute breeding strategy across the crop portfolio.
• Lead and develop international breeding and R&D teams.
• Drive innovation through modern breeding technologies and data-driven decision making.
• Manage breeding budgets, resources and long-term R&D investments.
• Strengthen collaboration across the Zaad Group Vegetable Cluster.
• Ensure a strong pipeline of high-quality genetics for long-term growth.
• Maintain high standards in quality, compliance, stewardship and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

International teams

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Project management

Data-driven decisions

Communications

English fluency

Education

MSc in relevant field

PhD or business qualification preferred

Job description

Bakker Brothers, an international vegetable seed breeding company, seeks a strategic Head of Breeding & R&D to lead its global breeding and R&D agenda from the Noord-Scharwoude head office.

The role requires strong leadership of international teams, advanced breeding tech know-how and a focus on delivering commercially successful varieties while driving innovation. English fluency and 15% travel expected.