Breeding Specialist; Corn​/Maize - Delmas

We’re hiring for a Breeding Specialist (Corn / Maize), based in Delmas.

As a Breeding Specialist, you will play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of innovative genetic solutions to farmers across Africa. Partnering with breeding, research, and operations teams, you will help advance new genetics from early‑stage development to inbred line release, ensuring excellence in execution, quality, and timely delivery.

• Collaborate with global Corn breeding colleagues to develop and deliver products for the African market.
• Ensure on‑time and high‑quality execution of breeding program nurseries, testing networks, and phenotyping activities across all research centers and teams involved, with emphasis on later‑stage work from inbred line coding through to product advancement.
• Facilitate interactions and global seed logistics between breeding programs, trait integration, genotyping, regional seed production, and testing teams, ensuring the newest genetics are delivered fast.
• Prepare data analysis jobs and participate in operational and product advancement meetings.
• Hold accountability for the full experimental plan and operational task management, in conjunction with Breeding and Operations Leads.
• Supervise projects including breeding germplasm inventory management: coordinating global seed exchange, non‑routine seed discards, and systems data updates.
• Pursue continuous learning of Corn germplasm, new breeding tools and technologies, and the optimization of work processes (continuous improvement).
• Ensure global best practice in corn operations at all relevant research centers, and contribute to operating procedures in planting, seed handling, controlled pollination (including detasseling and nicking management), seed processing, conditioning, and storage.
• Engage in the Safety Program, meeting legal requirements and the company's internal policies, while motivating colleagues in the same direction.

This is a highly field‑oriented role, with significant involvement in the planning, execution, and validation of research trials throughout the growing season. Success in this position requires a strong commitment to data quality, extensive time in the field, regular local travel, and a valid driver’s licence.

Delmas, South Africa

PhD in Genetics / Plant Breeding, or M.Sc. supported by a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Corn field experience is beneficial.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work under seasonal tight deadlines with fast data turn‑around.
• Knowledge of statistical software (R or Python).
• Ability to drive a vehicle is an essential requirement; a valid driver’s licence is required and experience driving on rural/gravel roads is beneficial.
• Travel is required, particularly in season; international travel may be required for hands‑on training.
• Behavioural competencies: an innovative and analytical professional who thrives in collaborative environments, demonstrates accountability, adapts to evolving challenges, influences without authority, and uses data to drive impactful decisions.

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team.
• Market‑shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food.
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment.
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader.

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time.
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences.
• Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience.
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered.
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional…