About the Role

As Director of Agronomic Production, you will be responsible for the strategy, execution, performance and transformation of Vilmorin-Mikado’s agronomic seed production network. The role ensures seed availability, quality, reliability and cost competitiveness while driving major transformation initiatives aligned with LVS (Limagrain Vegetable Seeds) Ambition 2030.

A key member of Vilmorin-Mikado’s global Supply team, you will represent Vilmorin-Mikado within LVS structures and cross-BU initiatives (working closely with Hazera and HM.Clause counterparts) and carry the production voice across all governance bodies.

This position is located at La Ménitré (49)

Key responsabilities

Key Responsibilities

• Production Strategy & Governance Define and deploy Vilmorin-Mikado's agronomic production strategy aligned with LVS long-term ambitions. 
• Develop multi-year roadmaps with clear performance targets. Integrate global challenges: climate variability, regulatory evolution, cost dynamics, carbon footprint, and working capital.
• Ensure production resilience and develop risk management approaches to safeguard operational continuity.

Operational Excellence & Performance

• Validate and coordinate global crop plans to ensure disciplined planning and seamless execution.
• Optimize production schemes, crop plans, and supplier networks.
• Deploy digital tools, crop inspection systems, and data-driven reporting.
• Strengthen KPI culture and decision-making processes.

Financial Leadership

• Lead and optimize Vilmorin-Mikado's agronomic production budget and ensure adherence to procurement targets.
• Improve OPEX/CAPEX rigor as well as cash and working capital management with Finance.
• Drive cost optimization and prevent uncontrolled inventory buildup.

People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Develop Vilmorin Mikado teams: clear roles, empowered delegation, effective routines, and transparent communication.
• Drive transformation with agility while empowering teams to adapt and deliver sustained performance.
• Build a cross-BU talent pipeline and promote CARE values (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Entrepreneurship).

Cross-functional & External Collaboration

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, QC, R&D, Seed Tech, and Marketing; play an active role in the S&OP process.
• Bring a production-driven perspective to demand-supply arbitration, capacity planning, and inventory optimization.
• Manage relationships with growers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Represent Vilmorin-Mikado within LVS structures, cross-BU initiatives, and key industry organizations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure full traceability and regulatory compliance across all seed production activities.
• Lead risk mapping (climate, IP, phytosanitary, water, suppliers) and implement mitigation strategies.

What we expect of you

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in seeds industry, with proven multi-site leadership.
• Solid knowledge of the seed industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing a network of external partners internationally
• Strong financial acumen: budget management, procurement economics, and cost optimization.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, international matrix organizations, comfortable holding both a BU and group-level perspective simultaneously.
• Fluent in both French and English.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 30%).

Who You Are

• A people-first leader: you know how to engage and unite a team of highly skilled, demanding experts who are deeply attached to their craft.
• A natural collaborator: you operate seamlessly at cross-BU and LVS level, acting as a genuine ambassador for production excellence across the organization.
• Commercially minded: you bring a long-term partnership approach to supplier and grower relationships, combined with a results-driven mindset.
• A change agent: you lead transformation constructively and bring teams along through change with clarity and transparency.
• A strategic thinker who can step beyond the production expert role to position yourself as an LVS leader from day one, with a full-chain vision from field production to customer.

Why joining us ?

• A high-impact executive role at the heart of the supply chain of one of the world's leading vegetable seed companies.
• Direct exposure to LVS and Group Limagrain dynamics
• A company committed to CARE values, sustainability, and employee well-being.

Our recruitment process

We will review your application carefully in relation to the needs of this role. If your profile is selected, our process includes:

• A pre-qualification interview with the Talent Acquisition team.
• An interview with the Hiring Manager and HR Director.
• An assessment process (tests and/or assessment centre).
• A final interview with key stakeholders.