Manager Crop Production

Enza Zaden Services B.V.; Enkhuizen; On-site; EUR 66,669 - 95,239; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program (15%)

Company laptop and mobile phone

25 vacation days

Job summary

Enza Zaden is seeking a Manager Crop Production to lead global seed production for Mid Tech Leafy and Open Field crops and to drive operational excellence across the organization.

You will manage a team of Production Specialists and Planners, ensure delivery against quality, quantity, cost, and timing targets, and spearhead cross‑functional collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D, and commercial teams.

Qualifications

• University-level education in plant science, supply chain or business agricultural engineering is required.
• 9–12 years of work experience in seed production or seed supply chain.
• Experience leading teams and driving cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders at different levels.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP systems and planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of Production Specialists and Production Planners.
• Be accountable for global seed production performance, ensuring delivery against quality, quantity, cost, and timing targets.
• Lead and actively contribute to Sales & Operations Planning (SOP), including tactical production capacity management.
• Participate in cross-functional crop (segment) teams to develop and execute strategic crop plans.
• Drive collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D, Portfolio Management, Marketing and Sales to support variety development and producibility.
• Develop business cases and lead projects to improve processes, seed technology, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations.
• Drive alignment with external producers and partners.

Skills

People management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

University level (WO, Master, University) in plant science / supply chain / business agricultural engineering

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Planning systems

Job description

Manager Crop Production

Lead global seed production and help shape the future of sustainable agriculture! As Manager Crop Production at Enza Zaden, you will secure reliable and efficient global seed production for our Mid Tech Leafy and Open Field crops, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation to support worldwide vegetable breeding programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of Production Specialists and Production Planners.
• Be accountable for global seed production performance, ensuring delivery against quality, quantity, cost, and timing targets.
• Lead and actively contribute to Sales & Operations Planning (SOP), including tactical production capacity management.
• Participate in cross‑functional crop (segment) teams to develop and execute strategic crop plans.
• Drive collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D, Portfolio Management, Marketing and Sales to support variety development and producibility.
• Develop business cases and lead projects to improve processes, seed technology, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with (phytosanitary) regulations.
• Drive alignment with external producers and partners.

Qualifications

• University level (WO, Master, University) preferably in plant science, supply chain or business agricultural engineering.
• 9 to 12 years of work experience in seed production or seed supply chain.
• Experience in leading and developing teams, and driving cross‑functional collaboration with stakeholders at different levels.
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, ERP systems, and planning systems.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (preferably also in Dutch).
• Willingness to travel internationally and work in a dynamic, time‑sensitive environment.

Benefits

• 38‑hour workweek (position).
• Gross monthly salary between €5,974.10 and €8,534.42, aligned with experience and role level.
• 8.33% vacation allowance and an annual bonus program of 15% of annual salary, dependent on job level and company performance.
• 25 vacation days, with the option to purchase additional days, plus one paid vitality day per year; extra days accrue with experience.
• Company‑provided laptop and mobile phone.
• Contribution toward overnight accommodation costs for employees in the Netherlands whose one‑way commute exceeds 100 km and 75 minutes.
• Retirement plan, commuting reimbursement for commutes over 10 km, and a remote‑work allowance when working partly from home in consultation with the manager.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through the Great to Grow development program, training courses, workshops, and e‑learning platform.
• Health and well‑being support, free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options, bike‑to‑work programme, sports activities via enzActive, and mental well‑being support via OpenUp.

EEO Statement

EnzaZaden is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.