R&D Site Operations Manager

Join Hazera as R&D Operations Site Manager

Hazera is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera brings expertise, commitment, knowledge and guidance, combining decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology. Hazera breeds, develops, produces and markets varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops around the world. Hazera’s headquarters are situated in Israel and in The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries and an extensive distribution network providing services in over 100 additional markets.

In this position, you will manage the R&D Operations Site of Hazera’s Tomato and Cucumber Breeding activities in Made (North Brabant, the Netherlands). The Site Manager will have the responsibility to directly manage and develop the Operations team to execute R&D activity in Greenhouses, to coordinate, implement and to support breeding programs and technology projects, in safety and quality requirements.

Hazera Seeds is seeking an enthusiastic, results-oriented and highly communicative individual with a strong agricultural background and R&D site management experience for this position.

You will be a member of the Netherlands R&D Operations Leadership Team and will have close interaction with colleagues across Hazera’s R&D organization, Product Development, and Seed Production. You will be based at our location in Made and will need to travel periodically to Hazera’s other R&D sites.

Operations Site Manager Role & Responsibilities:

• Manage greenhouse growing activities to verify readiness and outcomes as required and on time, per breeding program and related seasonality
• Oversee and assure aligned planning for all plant-raising in greenhouse nursery compartments
• Lead and implement strict phytosanitation, safety and quality policies
• Routinely engage with direct reporting Managers, Team Leads and Crop Specialists to facilitate improvements and track execution
• Establish required protocols and processes to be followed and standardized
• Liaise with Breeding Managers and Breeders on program plans to develop operational plan and budget
• Prepare and present activity performance reviews periodically, including quantitative and qualitative analysis, to ensure data-driven decision making based on defined KPIs
• Create a roadmap for continuous improvement and verify execution
• Own the activity budget, control and report monthly progress, and verify no deviation from target frame
• Initiate investment projects, from planning to execution, collaborate with supporting functions to consolidate an approved plan. Track and execute according to milestones and expected deliverables.
• Review the performance management of the team twice per year and set clear individual and team objectives

Candidate profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy (Crop Science or similar field) with strong experience in relevant roles
• Proven strong people management skills, with past experience of direct management
• Strong project management experience
• Background in field or vegetable crop production (preferred), hands-on experience in agricultural activities (irrigation systems, crop monitoring, etc.), field trialing and/or vegetable greenhouse operations (strong advantage)
• Knowledge of operational practices, logistics and planning (LEAN concepts an advantage)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and strong problem-solving capabilities
• Expertise in MS Office and data analysis applications
• Ability and willingness to travel (10%)
• Fluent in English & Dutch

Our offer:

• Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for Horticultural Seed Companies
• 25 days paid holidays (full time employment)
• 13 days paid ATV (full time employment)
• Vitality leave to facilitate sustainable employability (number of days depending on age)
• Holiday allowance of 8.33%
• Lease-a-bike to promote sustainable employability
• Discount on collective health insurances
• Commuting allowance according to the CLA
• Free fresh fruits
• Free fresh vegetables to take home in the growing season
• Career opportunities within Limagrain Group (access to all vacancies, local & abroad)
• Learning & Development opportunities (Hazera Academy)
• Working with passionate colleagues
• Active Employee Association (regular events, e.g. BBQ & Padel)

Do you already see yourself as part of the Hazera Seeds team? Then we are looking for you, as our growth and success are driven by passionate and dedicated individuals!

For more details, get in contact with our Talent Acquisition Specialist, Andreea Catarov at +31634594452 or via email: andreea.catarov@hazera.com