Senior Lettuce Breeder

Enza Zaden • San Juan Bautista, CA

2d • $120,000 - $140,000

About The Position

As a Senior Lettuce Breeder at Enza Zaden, you will take on an advanced and influential role in developing competitive lettuce varieties that support our long-term vision. This senior-level position requires exceptional collaboration and communication skills—you’ll work closely with teams across the organization, including Bio-tech Breeders, Sales & Marketing, Product Development, and global breeding teams. Beyond technical expertise, you will provide leadership that motivates, develops, and connects people across regions, fostering strong partnerships and a cohesive approach to breeding innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s in Plant Breeding preferred.
• Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in plant breeding and genetics (graduate-level experience acceptable).
• Proven success as a Breeder with demonstrated advancement of varieties and effective program execution.
• Experience leading, motivating, and coaching team members.
• Strong knowledge of plant breeding methods, phytopathology, and cultivation techniques.
• Ability to manage programs of higher technological, organizational, and geographical complexity.
• Strong market awareness and ability to translate trends into strategic breeding objectives.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written); Spanish highly desirable.
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions and travel up to 25% (domestic/international).
• Must meet eligibility requirements under the company’s driver insurance policy.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Collaborative Planning: Partner with cross-functional and global teams to align breeding objectives with customer needs, market trends, and long-term business strategy.
• Advanced Project Leadership: Lead and execute multiple breeding projects with increased scope and complexity, making critical plant and line selections throughout the breeding cycle.
• Program Ownership: Take responsibility for multiple segments or breeding programs, ensuring scientific rigor, timely progress, and cross-team alignment.
• Data Management: Maintain detailed records and manage data across breeding software platforms.
• Decision-Making: Advance material to trials and screening programs using data-driven evaluation and stakeholder input.
• Technology & Trait Integration: Leverage advanced technologies and traits to strengthen breeding outcomes across diverse geographies.
• Team Leadership: Motivate, coach, and develop a small team of Breeders and Assistant Breeders, fostering a culture of growth, connection, and high performance.
• Cross-Department Communication: Actively partner with bio-tech breeders, Sales & Marketing, Product Development, and global colleagues to ensure seamless information flow and collaborative problem-solving.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, paid personal time off, paid volunteer time off, monthly fitness reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior