Project Lead

Taken en verantwoordelijkheden

As a team, we make a lasting contribution to an organization that is continuously evolving and focused on sustainability and technological progress. Our passion lies in developing and implementing smart processes and machine solutions that continuously improve and expand seed processing capabilities. In an environment where you are given the space to take responsibility and show initiative, you will work together with colleagues on the professional execution of innovative projects. Does this sound like the environment where you can excel?

This is why you want to join us as a Project Lead

• Prepare, coordinate and execute (sub-)projects and/or change, in line with business needs, methods and techniques, to ensure timely and effective delivery of objectives.
• You are given the freedom and responsibility to improve processes and help build a sustainable future.
• You play a central role in realizing technological solutions for the seed processing of tomorrow.

Make a difference as Project Lead

As a Project Lead, you will guide projects from ideas to reality, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder needs. You take ownership of the full project lifecycle from shaping business cases and defining scope, goals, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and quality standards, to coordinating teams and resources. During execution, you monitor progress, manage risks and issues, and ensure smooth delivery, while motivating your team and coaching less experienced project managers. You also maintain strong stakeholder relationships, facilitate clear communication, and contribute to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Identify and analyze business requirements (i.e., supporting development of business cases) and ensure project scope and goals are aligned with internal stakeholders and business needs;
• Develop and/or contribute to (sub-)project, resource, budget, and activity planning, covering all resources and activities of both internal and external stakeholders based on agreed project preparation and approach;
• Manage (sub-)project delivery. Create and execute a plan including materials; coordinate all involved internal and external parties (including external suppliers) to ensure the (sub-)project is delivered according to planning and business requirements and satisfaction;
• Evaluate and close (sub-)project(s), identify and analyze lessons learned, archive project documents, and hand over project to line management.
• Functionally lead project team members, ensuring exchange of knowledge and experience within the team;
• Provide regular insights regarding developments and progress of the (sub-)project to relevant stakeholders (e.g., management and internal client) by means of periodical reports;
•  Manage stakeholder expectations and satisfaction and ensure they are timely and correctly informed and involved in decisions;
• Keep up with relevant developments within own specialism and the strategy of Enza Zaden. Provide input to improve level of project and portfolio management (skills, processes, tools, reports).

You will work closely with your project team, Project Owners, (Senior) Managers, functional colleagues, and other Project Managers to ensure alignment, collaboration, and smooth execution of projects. In addition, you will manage relationships with external suppliers and partners to steer and evaluate their contributions. You will report directly to the Manager Global Engineering & Maintenance, keeping them informed of project progress, risks, and key decisions.

What you bring as a future colleague 

You are a motivated and professional individual who thrives in a dynamic project environment. You take ownership of your work, communicate clearly and effectively, and know how to engage and motivate others. You are comfortable working under pressure, can navigate complex challenges, and have a natural ability to analyze processes and find solutions. Your collaborative mindset allows you to build strong relationships across teams and with external partners, ensuring projects are delivered successfully and efficiently.

In addition, you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering;
• A few years of business experience, including exposure to project environments and methodologies;
• A strong personality that provides clear and positive direction;
• Clear, consistent, and to-the-point communication skills, able to develop and maintain relationships easily;
• Strong collaborative and engaging working style, with the ability to lead project teams with diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to understand business processes, analyze problems, and implement solutions.
• Digital savvy and comfort with technology in daily project management tasks;
• Resilience to work under pressure and handle potential strain from regular use of a computer screen;
• Willingness to be present at least 4 days per week at our seed processing site and to travel occasionally (inter)nationally.

Enza Zaden as your employer
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? To deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance. On our mission to feed the world, we challenge ourselves to gain deeper insights and find the next breakthrough. We grow and innovate together, and everyone’s contribution is valued. Throughout our 86 years, our family values, passion, independence and our focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people eat our vegetables every day, something we are very proud of! Our passion isn't just a trademark; it's our driving force, propelling our rapid growth. If you're ready to explore your potential and thrive in a supportive environment, we welcome you to develop your talents with us. The combination of entrepreneurship, initiative and a healthy dose of determination has made Enza Zaden great and brought us where we are today. Enza Zaden is and always will be in motion: in the past, present and future.

What can you expect from us
As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of life, so that you can be successful inside and outside of work. We offer: 

• Laptop + smartphone

• Access to a variety of wellbeing programs and healthy food options; 

• 25 paid vacation days (employees have the option to buy extra vacation days equivalent to two times their weekly working hours); 

• 1 paid vitality day for all, plus extra days as your age increases; 

• Contribution for overnight stays if you live further away from Enza Zaden.

• We aspire to be a good employer that cares for our employees, both during and after their careers at Enza Zaden. Our most important benefits include: 

• Active partnership in your professional development (personal growth); 

• Tailor-made leadership development programs and global e-learning platform; 

• Employer sponsored retirement benefits. 

Join us for a career that grows with you! Are you curious to know more about Enza Zaden click on this link to our website. 
 
Get in touch 
Apply now using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your application within minutes, and we will respond to your application within 10 working days.  
 
Do you have any questions about our application process? Please feel free to reach out to: Jasmijn Kaagman, Corporate Recruiter via ja.kaagman@enzazaden.nl
 
Good to know 

• A business case assessment is part of the application process;

• 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.