Head of Maize Breeding Europe; M​/F

Head Of Maize Breeding Europe (M/F)

About Limagrain Field Seeds:
Limagrain Field Seeds is the field seeds division of Limagrain, a farmer-owned cooperative and a global seed company with a strong European footprint. We breed, develop, produce, and market maize, wheat, sunflower, oilseed rape, and other crops to help farmers be more productive and sustainable in a context of climate and market volatility.

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced research leader to head our European maize breeding activities and shape the future of our maize portfolio in key EU markets. Based in Chappes (France) or at one of our major EU maize breeding stations, you will lead a European wide portfolio of breeding programs and R&D projects across all Europe. You will also manage the maize breeding operation team in charge of research seed production (mostly for EU) and plant production (DH & rapid Cycling).

You will report to the Head of LFS Research, be a member of the Research Management Team (RDMT) and play a central role at the interface between R&D, BSA's and strategic marketing. This is an executive position with a high level of autonomy, visibility, and impact across LFS.

What You Will Achieve:
Define and deliver a clear European maize breeding strategy, aligned with LFS Research, Europe BSA's and Strategic Marketing. Strengthen the competitiveness of our maize product portfolio in key silage and grain market segments, with a measurable increase in genetic gain & commercial success. Develop and engage an international team of breeders and scientists, reinforcing a culture of excellence, safety, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

Build a highly collaborative way of working between breeders, Traits & Technologies, production, marketing, and sales to accelerate product impact. Increase the use of modern breeding technologies and data-driven decision-making across EU maize programs.

Your

Main Responsibilities:

Set direction and drive impact. Lead EU maize breeding programs. Connect programs and functions. Lead and develop people. Own your budget and ensure compliance.

What We Expect Of You:
PhD or equivalent in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in plant breeding or applied crop research. Strong expertise in breeding preferably in Maize, and strong understanding of quantitative genetics and seed industry practices. Proven track-record in leading breeding programs or complex R&D portfolios, ideally in an international and matrix environment.

Experience in integrating modern breeding technologies (genomics, molecular markers, digital tools, rapid cycling, data-driven decision-making) into operational programs. Demonstrated leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across research, business, and external partners. Strong analytical and strategic thinking, with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset. Fluency in English is required;
French or another European language is an asset.