EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT

EMEA Research and Development Director

About Sakata EMEA

Sakata is a leading global, Japanese stock-exchange listed seed company backed by over 100 years of research and development. Sakata EMEA is a passionate team across 24 countries, collaborating to provide a sustainable and stable supply of high-quality vegetable seeds to our broad customer-base.

A new opportunity

The EMEA R&D Director, a key member of the EMEA Executive team is preparing to retire after a career dedicated to AgriScience and the development of new varieties, creating an opportunity for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic individual to take responsibility for expanding our breeding programmes. Key focus areas include:

• Leading and driving research activities through innovation and coordination
• Advancing Sakata’s scientific capacity in biotechnology
• Maintaining the integrity of R&D activities and ensuring IP is protected at the appropriate level
• Managing the performance of the division to ensure that programmes meet Sakata’s quality and market requirements

Your profile

You are an experienced R&D Manager at Executive level seeking control of your own research strategy, with autonomy to lead a team of professionals in supporting the company’s growth plan.

You are at ease with:

• Developing capacity within research teams
• Introducing and applying the latest relevant scientific principles, practices, and technology to drive the development of germplasm/genetics to release innovative and commercially competitive varieties
• Collaborating with Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing, establishing partnerships with third parties, or investing in acquisitions to ensure access to the latest scientific developments and genetic resources
• Representing the company within industry associations

Your ideal background

• Post-graduate (Masters/PhD) in a related AgScience discipline such as Genetics/Plant Breeding/Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics or Biotechnology
• Experience in developing, implementing and reviewing plant breeding programmes from a scientific and commercial perspective
• Senior management experience responsible for scientific, commercial and regulatory aspects of pre-breeding, breeding, research laboratories and farm operations
• At least 5 years’ leading a multi-disciplinary research team at Executive level within the seed industry (preferably vegetable seed) in a global, multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English is required. Competency in either French/Spanish/Dutch as well as working experience outside of France, would be highly advantageous.

Your leadership approach

You share the value of management proximity to teams - in the fields, in the laboratories, in the greenhouses. Physically connecting with teams is at the core of the way we work, requiring extensive travel regionally and at times, globally.

Being a member of the EMEA team

You will join a passionate team in an established company with capacity to invest, respected for its high-quality standards and ethical reputation. Situated in the South of France, between Nîmes and Montpellier, employees benefit from a good quality of life to balance both professional and personal interests. We offer a competitive remuneration package with attractive incentive schemes and benefits.

Get in touch

If you are ready to have a confidential discussion about the next step in your professional career, we would love to hear from you.

Forward your resume to Lorraine.Coetzee@sakata.eu or contact Lorraine, our HR Director, directly on LinkedIn.