Head of Research & Development (M/F)

Job description:

Hazera is a global vegetable seed company, part of the Limagrain Group - a leader in the Vegetable Seed business with its three business units: Hazera, HM.CLAUSE and Vilmorin Mikado.

R&D is at the heart of innovation and our business success.

Currently, we are looking to recruit the next Global Head of R&D in Hazera.

Job Missions

Your missions will include the following :

• Define and execute Hazera’s medium- and long-term R&D strategy in alignment with LVS R&D priorities
• Set clear objectives and governance for R&D teams to deliver strategic crop priorities and a competitive product portfolio
• Ensure excellence in breeding, trialing, applied genetics, and R&D operations, while protecting intellectual property
• Drive the adoption of state-of-the-art breeding technologies, tools, and processes in collaboration with LVS R&D
• Champion continuous innovation by anticipating market needs, industry trends, and technological advances
• Ensure efficient program execution with strong interfaces to Production and Marketing, accelerating speed to market
• Lead and develop global R&D teams across multiple geographies (Israel, Netherlands, subsidiaries), fostering performance, engagement, and talent growth
• Oversee R&D resource allocation, budgets, and CAPEX prioritization in alignment with strategic objectives
• Build and manage internal and external research collaborations with academic institutions, research centers, and partners
• Contribute actively to the LVS Research Leadership Management Team, shaping group-wide R&D strategy and cross-BU synergies

Profile description:

You are a highly experienced (at least 15 years experience) and inspiring R&D leader with a strong scientific background and a proven ability to translate innovation into business impact. You combine long-term vision with operational excellence and thrive in complex, multicultural environments.

You bring:

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Science, or Biological Science
• A strong track record in R&D leadership within the seed industry, preferably vegetable seeds
• Profound knowledge of Genetics, Biotechnology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, and new tools and technologies
• Deep expertise in plant breeding, genetics, and R&D technologies and operations
• The ability to lead large, international, and multidisciplinary teams
• A strategic mindset with strong execution discipline and a clear focus on results
• Solid business and financial acumen to guide R&D investments and resource allocation
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams
• Strong decision-making capabilities in complex and evolving environments
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at senior and group level
• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset

You are impact-driven, forward-thinking, and committed to advancing science, people, and performance within a global organization.

Recruitment process

Once your application has been submitted, an acknowledgement of receipt will confirm its receipt.

We will study your profile in relation to the needs of the position and the company.

If your application is selected, the following steps are part of our process:

1. After a prequalification interview, we will ask you to complete personality inventories and reasoning tests that will serve as a basis for an interview with the Group's Talent Management.
2. Then you will meet your manager and your dotter line manager.

Groupe Limagrain is an employer that respects diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds