Head of Breeding Türkiye

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 is looking for a Head of Breeding Türkiye who will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the breeding strategy for KWS Vegetables, driving innovation and delivering high-performing varieties that meet current and future market needs.

You will lead breeding programs and operations across Türkiye and Middle East, translating strategic objectives into successful research and breeding outcomes while ensuring scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and commercial impact. This unlimited position is available in full-time and based in Antalya, Türkiye.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop, define, and execute the short- and long-term breeding strategy for the assigned crop(s), ensuring alignment with the KWS Vegetable Business Unit strategy and Strategic Crop Team (SCT) objectives.
• Ensure a continuous pipeline of commercially successful varieties by leading, steering, and optimizing crop improvement processes within the assigned crop and geographic scope, delivering high-quality products with a competitive time-to-market and within budget.
• Drive the implementation of breeding programs and key strategic initiatives, while supporting cross-crop initiatives within designated geographies and collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders.
• Establish, monitor, and continuously improve breeding policies, processes, and procedures to ensure the efficient achievement of R&D goals.
• Collaborate with Product Management & Sales, Finance, Controlling, Operations, and other functions to consolidate and execute crop-specific strategic plans and priorities.
• Prepare breeding reviews, crop reports, business cases, and strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making by Business Unit and corporate leadership.
• Ensure the adoption and effective use of state-of-the-art breeding technologies, methodologies, and tools, while monitoring scientific advancements and evaluating their impact on breeding performance and innovation.
• Lead the continuous improvement of breeding efficiency, productivity, and output to ensure a sustainable pipeline of commercially successful varieties.
• Develop, manage, and monitor breeding budgets and CAPEX investments, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and alignment with business priorities.
• Oversee breeding operations, programs, and research stations across one or more countries, ensuring high operational standards and successful execution of breeding objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop breeding teams, managing workforce planning, performance management, talent development, succession planning, and career progression in partnership with HR.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and innovative culture that supports organizational growth, employee engagement, and the successful delivery of breeding and business goals.

Your Profile

• MSc or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Several years of experience in plant breeding and/or research leadership roles, ideally within the vegetable seed industry.
• Proven expertise in breeding programs, breeding methodologies, and the practical application of modern breeding principles.
• Strong knowledge of breeding technologies, tools, and data-driven approaches that enhance breeding efficiency and accelerate product development.
• Fluent in English and Turkish, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams across diverse and international environments, with a collaborative and inclusive approach, fostering talent development, engagement, and team success.
• Ability to ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate scientific insights into business-relevant decisions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, drive change, and deliver sustainable business impact.
• Excellent organizational, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organization.
• Experience working in multicultural and international environments, with a global mindset and strong intercultural communication skills.
• Valid Class B driver's license with the ability and willingness to drive regularly as part of the role, including frequent travel to breeding stations, trial locations, and other business sites.
• Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel as required by the role.