Director, Vegetable Breeding – Türkiye & ME

KWS SAAT SE; Turkey; On-site; TRY 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

KWS Group in Antalya, Türkiye seeks a Head of Breeding Türkiye to shape and execute the breeding strategy for KWS Vegetables, driving innovation and delivering high-performing varieties.

You will lead breeding programs across Türkiye and the Middle East, translate strategic objectives into research outcomes, manage budgets, teams, and collaborate with product, sales, finance, and operations to ensure commercial impact.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in plant breeding, genetics, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading plant breeding or research teams, preferably in the vegetable seeds sector.
• Proven expertise in breeding programs, methodologies, and modern breeding principles.
• Strong knowledge of breeding technologies and data-driven approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term breeding strategy aligned with BU goals.
• Lead breeding programs across Türkiye and the Middle East for high-performing varieties.
• Drive implementation of breeding programs and strategic initiatives.
• Establish and improve breeding policies, processes, and procedures.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Finance, Operations and HR to align plans.
• Prepare breeding reviews, crop reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Ensure adoption of state-of-the-art breeding technologies and tools.
• Improve breeding efficiency, productivity, and pipeline sustainability.
• Manage breeding budgets and CAPEX, ensuring cost control.
• Oversee breeding operations and research stations across countries.
• Lead, coach, and develop breeding teams with HR.
• Foster collaborative, innovative culture and organizational growth.

Skills

Plant breeding

Research leadership

Data-driven breeding

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Entrepreneurial mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Intercultural communication

Travel readiness

Education

MSc or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related

Tools

Breeding technologies

Data analytics tools

Job description

KWS Group in Antalya, Türkiye seeks a Head of Breeding Türkiye to shape and execute the breeding strategy for KWS Vegetables, driving innovation and delivering high-performing varieties.

You will lead breeding programs across Türkiye and the Middle East, translate strategic objectives into research outcomes, manage budgets, teams, and collaborate with product, sales, finance, and operations to ensure commercial impact.