Head of Breeding – Turkey

About the role

KWS Group seeks a Head of Breeding for Turkey to lead breeding strategy, drive innovation, and deliver high‑performing vegetable varieties across Turkey and the Middle East. The role also serves as Crop Lead for cucumber, overseeing the full cucumber breeding pipeline.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute short‑ and long‑term breeding strategies aligned with KWS Vegetable Business Unit goals.
• Lead breeding programs, ensuring a continuous pipeline of commercially successful varieties delivered on time and within budget.
• Implement state‑of‑the‑art breeding technologies and continuously improve breeding efficiency and productivity.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX investments, and resource allocation for breeding operations.
• Oversee breeding stations across multiple countries, maintaining high operational standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary breeding teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.

Required profile

• Residence in or willingness to relocate to Antalya, Turkey.
• MSc or PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related scientific discipline.
• Several years of experience in plant breeding and/or research leadership, preferably in the vegetable seed industry.
• Fluent in English and Turkish, both written and spoken.
• Proven leadership skills with experience building and motivating high‑performing, multicultural teams.
• Valid Class B driver’s license and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.