This position is responsible for leading the Oilseedrape Research programs in Europe and globally. The position will be responsible for defining the research strategy in close consultation with the head of oilseeds research and with the business.

The Oilseedrape Research team has the central goal to develop a highly competitive hybrid portfolio with innovative traits to sustain the leadership of Limagrain in this key market. The Head of Oilseedrape Research will drive research innovation across Limagrain’s OSR research organization through providing direct support as well as coordinating strategic initiatives. The position plays a pivotal role in aligning and communicating local and global research ambitions with platforms and functions within the traits and technologies (T&T) group of LFSR and will also be a focal point for engaging with key external research organizations.

The position reports to Global Head of Oilseeds Research. The position will be an integral member of the LFS Research RDMT and work closely with other members of the RDMT to coordinate and facilitate innovation projects across crops and geographies.

The position plays a key role in aligning and communicating with Limagrain´s commercial departments, such as DPM and regional sales and product manager teams.

The incumbent's main responsibilities will be to develop and define the research strategy for oilseed research programs in Europe and worldwide, leading the OSR research teams. He/she will be responsible for developing a portfolio of competitive hybrids to maintain Limagrain's leadership in key oilseed markets. In terms of strategic research, the incumbent will ensure that projects are collaboratively designed, developed and executed with LFS trait and technology support functions, as well as with LFS Research RDMT members.

In terms of research and development strategy, the incumbent will act as a member of the Limagrain Field Seeds Research RDMT. He/she will work closely with the Head of Oilseed Research and the company to define the short, medium and long-term objectives of the breeding programs, while building a portfolio of competitive hybrids. He will also oversee the implementation of projects promoting efficiency and innovation within the oilseed research community. Global germplasm management, collaboration with key research organizations, and overseeing the budget of OSR breeding programs in Europe will also be his responsibility.

In the field of operations, the incumbent will ensure the targeted development of breeding stations/platforms, coordinate the interface between T&T, research institutes, Innolea scientists, and the oilseed research community. He will lead cross-functional projects to achieve KPIs and identify actionable results, while striving for excellence in breeding, molecular plant breeding, traits, and phenotyping technologies.

In terms of people management and leadership, the incumbent will lead OSR research teams, supervise the OSR R&D management team, and promote a positive working culture. The incumbent will also develop communication plans to highlight the functions and achievements of OSR research, and establish close relationships with ORDMT members, oilseed breeders, as well as platform managers and research leaders at T&T and Innolea. On the management side, the incumbent will champion OSR research priorities within T&T teams and functions, while ensuring that the OSR research team complies with company and local authority safety regulations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate or possess:

- an ability to translate research direction and strategy into executable projects with concrete results

- innovative and analytical thinking

- ability to deliver high quality results through a collaborative working style

- successful experience in roles requiring multi-tasking while responding to multiple priorities in a fast-paced organization.

- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people - juniors and seniors, from different backgrounds and cultures, and from a variety of disciplines.

-Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

- Passion for the organization's mission and impact

- Ability to work diplomatically within an international organization

- Transparent, direct and nuanced communication style

- Initiative, self-discipline, spark, imagination and creativity.

- Ability to stay focused and meet deadlines.

- Patience and resilience

- Must be proactive, problem-solving and decision-making in time-sensitive situations.

-Highly adaptable.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIRED

PhD in crop science, plant genetics or agronomy is required.

A minimum of 10 years' experience in plant breeding research or a related field is required, in a multinational and/or private, matrix organization with significant leadership and executive management experience is preferred.

In-depth knowledge of how agriculture works for development and stakeholder requirements.

Valid driver's license

Ability and willingness to travel within the country and abroad.

Joining Limagrain means joining a Group that is both an agricultural cooperative and an international seeds company. The Group breeds, produces and markets field seeds, vegetable seeds and agri-food products.

At Limagrain, we are committed to diversity & inclusion, sources of progress and wealth for the company.

If you recognize yourself in this profile, don't wait any longer and join us now to live the Limagrain Adventure!

The recruitment process takes place in several stages:

After an initial pre-qualification, we will contact you to schedule an interview with the manager of the position concerned, followed by an HR interview. A third interview may also be scheduled.

At the same time, various tests may be carried out (language test, personality test, etc.).

This process is indicative only, and may change depending on the position in question.