Postharvest and Consumer Research Manager

Taken en verantwoordelijkheden

Join us as an innovative, connective leader in Postharvest and Consumer Research Manager.

Enza Zaden is looking for an innovative, driven and communicative manager eager to lead a global team responsible for the post-harvest and consumer research discipline, developing methods for various leafy and fruity crops, and supporting our breeding and M&S units to deliver delicious, nutritious, convenient and high-quality vegetable genetics. 

What are you going to do as a Postharvest and Consumer Research Manager?

You will define Enza Zaden’s consumer research strategy in close collaboration with Marketing and Sales (M&S) and Research and Development (R&D)). You will lead a team of researchers and technicians (based in Spain, US and The Netherlands) who develop post-harvest methods and conduct consumers research, ensuring the implementation of such methods in a high throughput manner providing consistency worldwide, and translating consumer research into marketing strategies and market opportunities.

You will be leading a cross-functional platform, which will manage market-innovation activities and projects globally, by connecting the R&D and M&S departments. You will occasionally participate in external collaborations with universities and other food industry companies and ensure that learnings and methodologies are brought back to Enza Zaden.

What you bring as a Postharvest and Consumer Research Manager?

You are a dynamic person who takes initiative, recognizes opportunities, and has an innovative, result-oriented and curious mind-set. You are a team leader, a natural communicator and connector. You have applied research minded and are interested in the seed industry and food value chain. You have strong skills in team management, planning and organization, and communications competences. You can work independently, facilitating your team growth, but you are also able to work in cross-functional teams and intercultural project teams. You can transfer and translate information between R&D, M&S and customers understanding their needs.

In short, you have/are:

·         a strong leader, people-oriented with demonstrate communication skills

·         a master’s degree preferably in Market Research & Consumer Behavior/Food Chemistry/Food Science and at least 5 years of relevant work experience in the food sector;

·         experience in leading teams and stakeholder management;

·         fluent in English speaking and writing (Dutch and/or Spanish language skills are a plus);

·         able to prioritize, plan and manage activities across various locations.

·         experience in the field of post-harvest and consumer traits is desirable.

Something about us?

Enza Zaden is a vegetable breeding company that develops vegetable varieties. And produces and sells its seeds all over the world. We have made an animation to explain to you properly (and as briefly as possible) what we do. 

The purpose of our work? To offer everyone worldwide access to healthy and varied vegetables. With more than 2500 passionate colleagues all over the world, we work together every day on the vegetables of tomorrow. 

Would you like to know more about Enza Zaden as an employer? Then take a look at the  Careers & Learning or visit our profile page on LinkedIn.

What can you expect from us?

As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of live, so that you can be successful inside and outside of work. We want to make work work. We offer;

·         A good salary based on your experience;

·         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;  

·         Laptop + smartphone.

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 https://www.enzazaden.com/

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 Sandra Hoeneveld-Blekkink, Corporate Recruiter. S.hoeneveld-blekkink@enzazaden.nl

Good to know

·         An assessment SHL is part of the application process; 

·         This position cannot be filled on an interim basis;

Acquisition is not appreciated.