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 is an international vegetable seed breeding, production and distribution company headquartered in the Netherlands. As part of the Zaad Group, we work alongside leading vegetable seed businesses including Hygrotech, East Africa Seeds and ZARP to develop high-performing vegetable varieties for growers across Africa, the Middle East and beyond.

To support our ambitious growth plans and strengthen our innovation capabilities, we are looking for an experienced and visionary:

Head of Breeding & R&D

The opportunity

As Head of Breeding & R&D, you will lead the strategic direction, performance and continuous evolution of our global breeding organization, based at our head office in Noord-Scharwoude.

You will be responsible for building an innovative, future-focused breeding and R&D organization that delivers commercially successful varieties, accelerates genetic gain and strengthens the long-term competitiveness of our vegetable seed portfolio. Working closely with breeders, commercial teams and fellow R&D leaders across the Zaad Group, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our genetics.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead an international team and oversee breeding and R&D activities across multiple countries and locations.

What you will do

As Head of Breeding & R&D, you will lead the strategic direction and performance of our global breeding organization, driving the delivery of innovative and commercially successful varieties while building a high-performing international R&D team.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Defining and executing the breeding strategy across our crop portfolio.
• Leading and developing international breeding and R&D teams.
• Driving innovation through the implementation of modern breeding technologies and data-driven decision-making.
• Managing breeding budgets, resources and long-term R&D investments.
• Strengthening collaboration and synergies across the Zaad Group Vegetable Cluster.
• Ensuring a strong pipeline of high-quality genetics that supports the long-term growth of the business.
• Maintaining high standards in quality, compliance, stewardship and operational excellence.

Who you are

You are a strategic and people-focused leader who combines deep breeding expertise with the ability to drive innovation, make pragmatic decisions and develop high-performing international teams. With a strong track record in cross-cultural collaboration, you effectively connect people, knowledge and ideas across countries, disciplines and organizations.

You bring:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree (MSc); PhD or additional business qualification is preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in breeding, R&D or related technologies.
• A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a breeding, research or innovation-driven organisation.
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding technologies and a passion for innovation.
• Proven experience managing international and multicultural teams.
• Demonstrated experience in R&D management, people leadership, budgeting and project management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent command of English language, additional languages are an advantage.
  Willingness to travel internationally (15%).

Our offer

• A strategic leadership position with a direct impact on the future of our breeding and R&D organation
• An open and international work environment within a passionate and dedicated team.
• The opportunity to work with collegues across the Zaad Group and contribute to a growing global seed business
• Attractive employment conditions.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development