Senior Breeder Spinach

Taken en verantwoordelijkheden

Do you have a passion for plant breeding and want to contribute to the development of innovative spinach varieties? Then this Senior Breeder position at Enza Zaden is perfect for you!

This is why you want to join us as a Senior Breeder at Enza Zaden

At Enza Zaden, you’ll be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking breeding team where innovation and collaboration are key. You will act as a mentor for our passionate team.

• You’ll have the opportunity to independently lead the breeding program.

• You’ll work in a team with trial locations in the US and Northwest Europe.

• You’ll combine traditional breeding with the latest molecular technologies.

Make the difference as Senior Breeder Spinach

As a Senior Breeder, you will play a key role in shaping the future of spinach breeding by focusing on the development of new traits that meet evolving market demands. You will bring added value through close collaboration with our research departments, ensuring that innovative insights are effectively translated into breeding strategies. Seamless communication with departments such as sales, production, breeding, and seed supply is essential to align goals and ensure smooth execution across the chain.

• Develop new spinach varieties based on market developments and customer needs.

• Create a long term vision and oversee breeding and screening trials.

• Analyze data and translate insights into breeding strategies.

• Collaborate closely with R&D, sales, production, and seed supply teams.

• Implement innovative breeding technologies and ICT solutions.

• Coordinate international trials and work together with fellow breeders.

• Report to the Crop Breeding Manager.

What you bring as our future colleague

We’re looking for a visionary breeder who combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial spirit.

• An MSc in Plant Breeding or a related field.

• At least 7 years of experience as an independent plant breeder, preferably in open field crops.

• Strong analytical skills and strategic insight.

• An entrepreneurial and flexible mindset.

• Creativity, a systematic approach, and perseverance.

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit.

• Proficiency in English; Dutch is a plus.

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: 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 are valued. Throughout our 85 years, our family values, passion, independence and or focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people are eating 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:

• Flexible work arrangements;

• 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;

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. Note: due to the holiday period, responses to applications may be delayed.

 Do you have any questions about our application process? Please feel free to reach out to:

Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter (a.weening@enzazaden.nl).

Good to know

• This position cannot be filled on an interim basis;

• Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and don’t discriminate based on background, identity or personal characteristics.