Manager Molecular Breeding | Enkhuizen

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

Benefits offered by this job

Great to Grow program

15% annual bonus program

Remote work allowance

Job summary

Enza Zaden invites applications for Manager Molecular Breeding, a strategic leadership role based in Enkhuizen or Spain. You will steer an international team of genomic breeders and pre-breeders, translating long-term crop strategies into impactful breeding solutions across programs.

You will influence breeding strategy, accelerate adoption of molecular and data-driven technologies, and collaborate with breeders, molecular biologists, data scientists, and partners to deliver world-class

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or related field.
• 6–8 years of experience in molecular/plant breeding or related discipline.
• Proven people-management experience in international teams.
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding technologies, biotechnology, genomics, and data analysis.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an international team of genomic breeders and pre-breeders in NL, Spain, and France.
• Translate long-term crop strategies into actionable breeding initiatives with cross-functional teams.
• Drive adoption of molecular and data-driven breeding technologies across programs.
• Optimize genetics introduction processes and transfer from research to breeding.
• Interpret complex breeding data: genealogy, phenotype, genotype, and trait architecture.
• Act as a key stakeholder for digital tools, software implementation, and IP management where applicable.

Skills

Leadership

Genomics

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

English fluency

Education

MSc in Plant Breeding/Genetics/BIotech

Tools

Genomics tools

Job description

Are you ready for a strategic role at the heart of modern plant breeding? Modern plant breeding starts with innovation, data, and strong scientific leadership. As Manager Molecular Breeding, you will lead an international team of genomic breeders and pre-breeders while driving the implementation of new molecular breeding technologies across our crop programs. Working from our headquarters in Enkhuizen or our breeding hub in Spain, you will play a key role in translating long‑term crop strategies into impactful breeding solutions. Through close collaboration with breeders, molecular biologists, data scientists, and research partners, you will help accelerate the development of world‑class vegetable varieties and shape the genetics of tomorrow.

Make a difference as Manager Molecular Breeding

As Manager Molecular Breeding, you will be responsible for developing both people and capabilities within your crop group. You will be a member of both the Crop Management Team and the Molecular Breeding Management Team, enabling you to influence breeding strategy and innovation across the organization. In this role, your work will include:

• Leading, coaching, and developing an international team of genomic breeders and pre‑breeders located in the Netherlands, Spain, and France;

• Translating long‑term crop strategies into actionable research and breeding initiatives in collaboration with Crop Management Teams and the Research Portfolio Manager;

• Driving the implementation and adoption of new molecular and data‑driven breeding technologies across breeding programs;

• Optimizing processes for the introduction of new genetics and traits, ensuring effective transfer from research into breeding;

• Managing and interpreting complex breeding data, including genealogy, phenotype, genotype, and trait architecture information;

• Acting as a key stakeholder for digital tools, software implementation, quality compliance, and, where applicable, crop‑related intellectual property management.

You will report to the Global Manager Molecular Breeding and lead an international team of approximately 10 molecular breeding professionals.

What you bring as our future colleague

As Manager Molecular Breeding, you are a strategic and people‑oriented leader who enjoys working at the intersection of science, innovation, and business impact. You know how to inspire teams, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and translate scientific developments into practical breeding applications. With your strong analytical skills and collaborative mindset, you help teams succeed and continuously improve.

In addition, you have:

• A Master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related scientific field; a PhD is an advantage;

• 6 to 8 years of relevant experience in molecular breeding, plant breeding, or a closely related discipline;

• Proven experience in people management and developing high‑performing teams;

• Strong knowledge of modern breeding technologies, biotechnology, genomics, and data analysis;

• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills;

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Enza Zaden as your employer

Enza Zaden is an international family‑owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.

We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

What you can expect from us

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well‑being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.

You can also count on:

• A position for 38 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between €5,974.10 and €8,534.42 based on a full‑time workweek of 38 hours and aligned with your knowledge and experience;

• 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive annual bonus program of 15% of your annual salary, depending on your job level and company performance;

• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid vitality day per year, with extra vacation days granted as you get older;

• A laptop and mobile phone provided by Enza Zaden;

• A contribution toward overnight accommodation costs if you live farther away from Enza Zaden. This program applies to employees working for Enza Zaden in the Netherlands whose one‑way commute exceeds 100 kilometers and 75 minutes;

• An attractive retirement plan, commuting reimbursement if you live more than 10 kilometers from your workplace and a remote work allowance when working partly from home in consultation with your manager;

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Great to Grow development program, training courses, workshops, and e‑learning platform;

• Plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of your daily work through social events organized by the Staff Association, as well as Young Enza networking events, inspiration sessions, and social gatherings. We also host an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market and New Year’s reception;

• A strong focus on your health and well‑being, including free fresh fruit, healthy lunch options at the office, a bike‑to‑work program, sports activities through enzActive, and mental well‑being support through OpenUp.

Let’s connect

Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days.

An assessment is part of the application process. This role cannot be filled on an interim basis.

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter, at [e-mail].

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

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.