As a maize breeder, you will lead a breeding project based in Rilland, Holland. 

You will work closely with research support functions to develop parental lines for commercial hybrids with high yield potential, disease resistance, and other key traits suited to your specific market.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a multidisciplinary international environment by contributing to breeding strategy development and overseeing its local implementation.

Strategy

In collaboration with the Breeding Program Manager:

You propose breeding orientations, ideas, and genetic material strategies to introduce new lines.
You define the short-, medium-, and long-term objectives of the breeding project, as well as the target portfolio to be developed.
You gain a solid understanding of commercial challenges through interactions with all relevant stakeholders, including competitors, government officials, and/or public institutes.
You lead local collaborations and propose exchanges with public and private partners, ensuring compliance with company standards and protocols.
You ensure the freedom to operate for genetic material.

Operations

You implement the breeding strategy and manage the breeding project.
You leverage internal and external R&D capabilities to optimize the breeding project with innovative and efficient technical advancements.
You oversee and conduct the evaluation of breeding lines, visiting and assessing trials and nurseries.
You analyze all data using appropriate tools and make corresponding selection decisions.

Team Management

You manage the breeding teams dedicated to the project.
You ensure that all team members adhere to company standards (health, safety, environment, and others).
You foster innovation and maintain a high level of technical and scientific expertise within the team.
You develop a strong relationship with maize breeders from other programs or regions, as well as with the entire Limagrain seed research organization.

A PhD or Master’s degree in plant breeding and genetics or a closely related field is required.
Ideally, five years of experience in maize breeding.
In-depth knowledge of maize breeding techniques and molecular genetics tools.
Proficiency in software for data analysis, management, presentation, and reporting; a strong background in statistics and data management is required.
Familiarity with the target production region, including associated biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as relevant genetic material, would be an asset.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills are essential.
Leadership skills and experience in team and project management are required.

This breeding program offers the best varieties on the market!

Why join us ?

By becoming part of our team, you will enjoy numerous benefits:

Good employee benefit package including:

7,4% end of year allowance

Profit-sharing

Pension scheme

32 vacation days a year

Flexible work arrangements

Employability budget

At Limagrain, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, which drive progress and innovation in our company.

Do you see yourself in this role? Don’t wait—join us now and experience the Limagrain adventure!

1️⃣ Initial Screening: our Talent Acquisition Manager reviews applications to conduct a first selection.

2️⃣ Manager Review: the hiring manager then conducts a second CV screening to create the most relevant shortlist.

3️⃣ (A pre-qualification phone interview may take place at this stage.)

4️⃣ First Interview: a meeting with the hiring manager is scheduled.

5️⃣ Second Interview: a follow-up interview with the HR team is organized shortly after.

6️⃣ Final Decision & Feedback: shortlisted candidates receive feedback. Additional tests (such as language, personality, or technical assessments) may also be considered.

⚠️ Please note: this process is provided for reference and may vary depending on the position.