HEAD OF TRAIT DISCOVERY

Head of Trait Discovery

Plantum Enkhuizen, North Holland, Netherlands

Enza Zaden | hbo wo | Enkhuizen, The Netherlands

Geplaatst: 14/11/2025

We are seeking a strategic and globally oriented leader to deliver integrated trait solutions for product development. This role drives innovation in trait research, manages multidisciplinary teams and resources, and fosters collaboration and partnerships to deliver high‑quality, compliant, and impactful trait solutions into breeding pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting‑edge trait research that directly feeds into our global breeding programs.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary research teams and domain managers focused on trait discovery.
• Co‑develop and execute strategic plans for trait domains in close collaboration with Biotech management, Molecular Breeding, and breeding teams.
• Ensure timely delivery and seamless integration of novel traits into (pre‑)breeding pipelines, with appropriate IP protection.
• Drive operational excellence by implementing processes that improve quality, productivity, and compliance.
• Manage budgets and resources using data‑driven decision‑making.
• Foster internal collaboration and develop strategic external partnerships with universities, institutes, and companies.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of biological processes and trait discovery approaches.
• Proven ability to deliver integrated trait solutions and manage complex portfolios.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic planning and delegated execution across teams.
• High business acumen and budget management proficiency.
• Clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• High adaptability to business needs, with a strong focus on our “Enza Be One” philosophy.

You are an empathetic and outcome‑driven leader who thrives in a dynamic, international environment. You inspire your teams, build strong partnerships, and are always looking for ways to innovate and improve.

About Enza Zaden

With more than 3,000 passionate team members across the world, we’re on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal is to deliver seeds with that special something: better taste, better yields, and better resistance.

What you’ll get

• Flexible work arrangements.
• Access to wellbeing programmes and healthy food options.
• 25 paid vacation days (employees can buy extra days equivalent to two times their weekly working hours).
• 1 paid vitality day for all, plus extra days as your age increases.
• Active partnership in your professional development (personal growth).
• Tailor‑made leadership development programs and global e‑learning platform.
• Employer‑sponsored retirement benefits.

Additional Information

• This position cannot be filled on an interim basis.
• Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity or personal characteristics.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Farming

Apply directly using the application button. For questions about the application process, contact Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter (a.weening@enzazaden.nl).