Technical Director Emea

We are looking for an experienced Technical Director (EMEA) for a multinational company of the Agriculture sector

Summary :

• Essential role by managing the processes of the international breeding programs.
• Member of the Management Team in Europe.
• Collaborate with the head breeders and the research team at PSI in the US.
• Lead a small team of experts in Europe.
• Achieve goals to find best performing soft fruit varieties for EMEA.
• Represent the company in EMEA.
• Preferably based in Spain.

FUNCTIONS : Research program leadership & technical guidance (70%)

• Accountable for overall program and budget development, technical and operational execution, and reporting on technical activities in EMEA.
• Oversee and lead the European crossing program and seedling growing out activities in close cooperation with the breeders at PSI in the US.
• Accountable for high health programs to provide sufficient clean stock in a timely manner in close cooperation with service providers (3rd party labs and propagators).
• Oversee and lead the trialing and variety selection process in close cooperation with strategic customers.
• Frequent visits to the trial sites throughout EMEA.

Represent Plant Sciences (10%)

• Serve as an ambassador for Plant Sciences by developing and maintaining strong relationships with key partners (propagators, strategic growers, service providers).
• Support the team in its commercial efforts to introduce existing and new crops and varieties into existing key markets as well as new geographies.
• Develop and maintain a good network with advanced research institutes and universities.

Supervise staff (20%)

• Foster a team culture among direct reports and other team members to deliver organizational results.
• Guide and support direct reports in their individual responsibilities and personal development.
• Master degree in plant sciences or equivalent education.
• 10+ years of experience in the horticultural industry, preferably soft fruit.
• Specific knowledge about blackberries and blueberries is more than welcome.
• Experience in leading complex research projects in an international context.
• Proven ability to collaborate in an international research environment.
• Knowledge of data management, data analysis and statistics.
• Experience with intellectual property issues.
• Fluent in English, Spanish would be a plus.
• Willing to travel frequently.