Function

Limagrain, an international cooperative group and a major player in plant breeding, is seeking a Wheat Breeding Manager (M/F) to lead its wheat breeding program in France. You will join our multicultural research station in Verneuil-l’Étang, east of Paris, and head an experienced team to drive varietal innovation in a strategic market segment.

Main Goal

Reporting to the Wheat Breeding Program Manager, based in the UK, you will lead and drive the momentum of the program, with the following responsibilities:

Strategy & Innovation

• You define short-, mid-, and long-term breeding objectives, ensuring alignment between marketing and development teams around a shared vision.

• You design and champion an ambitious breeding strategy, supporting teams in the evolution of practices to maintain a leading position in the wheat market.

• You represent Limagrain within scientific networks and external partnerships, positioning the company as a key player in the French wheat breeding community.

Operational Leadership & Transformation

• You design, deploy, and optimize breeding schemes by integrating new technologies, while supporting operational teams through change management.

• You evaluate breeding lines, analyze data, and make selection decisions, structuring processes to strengthen overall efficiency.

• You contribute to official trials and coordinate interactions with regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth methodological and organizational transitions.

People Management & Change Leadership

• You lead, motivate, and develop a local team, fostering an environment that supports innovation, technical excellence, and engagement in change.

• You drive collaboration with European breeders and internal group partners, facilitating cross-functional work and harmonization of practices.

• You manage the program budget and develop a three-year investment plan, supporting teams in prioritizing and taking ownership of strategic choices.

Job description

What we expect of you

• PhD or equivalent degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in breeding, ideally on a cereal crop.

• Strong command of data analysis tools, statistics, and breeding software.

• Proven leadership, collaborative mindset, and ability to drive change.

• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in French is a strong asset.

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Skills

Your benefits and working environment

Recruitment process

• Pre-screening by our Talent Acquisition team

• Interview with the operational manager

• HR interview

• Potential assessments (language, personality, etc.)

• Personalized feedback provided to each shortlisted candidate