Lead Operation Breeding, Naaldwijk

Axia Vegetable Seeds is an innovative and internationally operating company specializing in the development of high-quality tomato varieties for the professional greenhouse horticulture sector. From our locations in Naaldwijk, we work every day on genetics that contribute to productivity, sustainability, and taste. Due to the continued growth and professionalization of our organization, we are looking for a

Lead Operation Breeding (Seed Production, Pollination&Extraction)

who will play a key role in our breeding and seed production activities.

What are you going to do? As Lead Operation Breeding, you will be ultimately responsible for the operational execution of the breeding process and seed production in the greenhouse. You will lead the Operation Breeding team and ensure the efficient, high-quality, and scalable execution of all activities related to pollination, crossings, and seed processing. You act as the connecting link between Breeding, Greenhouse Operations, and Seed Production, while actively contributing to the further professionalization, standardization, and optimization of our processes. In addition to leadership responsibilities, you will be closely involved in the execution and improvement of pollination techniques, seed production, and seed processing activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities Leadership&Coordination

Lead, coach, and develop the Operation Breeding / pollination team

Create daily planning and task allocation

Monitor pace, quality, and progress of activities

Train and instruct (new) employees

Pollination&Breeding Processes

Coordinate and execute manual pollination and crossings

Coordinate and execute emasculation and seed set activities

Monitor flower quality, maturity, and plant condition

Execute and supervise breeding activities (line combinations, test crosses)

Seed Production&Processing

Responsible for greenhouse seed production processes

Responsible for harvesting and processing of fruit material

Responsible for seed extraction, drying, and cleaning according to protocol

Final responsibility for breeding seed counting

Final responsibility for breeding seed samples

Ensure correct labeling, batch management, and traceability

Collaborate with stock seed production teams and production groups

Quality, Registration&Compliance

Ensure compliance with GSPP and hygiene protocols

Control and register crossing data

Control and register production quantities

Control and register lineage and phenotype information

Identify deviations (diseases, pollination issues, plant development)

Conduct field inspections (varietal purity, yield, plant health)

Process Optimization&Improvement

Standardize and improve work processes

Optimize labor efficiency and resource allocation

Actively contribute to scaling up seed production

Initiate and execute experiments to improve yield and quality

Collect and analyze data

Collaboration

Work closely with Breeders

Work closely with Greenhouse Management

Work closely with Operational Teams

Identify bottlenecks and propose solutions

Competences

HBO/Bachelor working and thinking level (Horticulture, Plant Science, or similar)

Experience in greenhouse horticulture, breeding, and/or seed production

Demonstrable experience with pollination techniques is a strong advantage

Leadership skills and experience coordinating teams

Strong organizational, planning, and process-oriented mindset

Hands-on, pragmatic, and results-driven

Accurate and quality-conscious (audit-proof working)

Data-driven with a continuous improvement mindset

Good command of Dutch and English

What we offer

A key position within a growing and innovative organization

Direct impact on the development of new tomato varieties

A broad role with both managerial and operational responsibilities

A dynamic working environment with short communication lines

Competitive salary and appropriate employment conditions

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