Immediate Job Opening For Head Breeding @ Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd

Job Description: Head Of Breeding

Research & Development Strategy

• PBI is the future, so must have some experience in the emerging areas of plant breeding innovation. Genomic Selection, Predictive Breeding, Use of GBS, WGS for enhancing product delivery timelines etc.
• Define short-, medium-, and long-term breeding and portfolio objectives with Commercial and Breeding teams. Define Target product profile, update them periodically and ensure gaps are identified and resolved internal or via external partnerships.
• Research operations, Gene Banks are very critical support functions, that needs to be well driven for breeding to be successful, so significant understanding of these support activities is essential.
• SPEED BREEDING is a key activity that must be integrated to breeding program, which includes speed breeding chambers, DH, embryo rescue, surrogate assays, phenomics, digital breeding etc., so candidate must have experience of having such tools for Speed to market.
• Develop strong business understanding by interacting with internal stakeholders. Ability to design and execute multi-crop breeding strategies aligned with commercial objectives, market segmentation and long-term pipeline productivity.
• High proficiency in statistical genetics, data analytics, GE interpretation and portfolio go/no-go decision frameworks.

Operations

• Evolve and implement breeding strategies across breeding programs.
• Drive efficient use of breeding innovations (Genomic Selection, Predictive breeding, MAB, statistical designs, molecular technologies, etc.).
• Coordinate registration of hybrids and varieties.
• Ensure protection of hybrids and varieties with Regulatory and IPR teams.
• Manage research budget, midterm plans (MTP), and resource allocation.
• Track financial performance and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Deliver Research Portfolio KPIs.

People Management & Leadership

• Promote a positive work culture within research teams.
• Lead and motivate breeding and research teams.
• Build strong relationships with breeders, PED managers, and Business managers.
• Set annual goals and conduct performance appraisals and development plans.
• Implement communication plans that inspire and align teams with organizational values.

Decision-Making Responsibilities

• Make strategic decisions on R&D programs, resource allocation, and collaborations.
• Oversee budgetary control over research projects.
• Monitor KPIs and report research progress to leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of breeding & portfolio objectives.
• Return on Investment (ROI) from breeding programs.
• Adoption rate of innovative breeding technologies.
• Team productivity, delivery timelines, and capability development.

Qualification & Experience

• Doctorate in Plant Breeding.
• Experience of working with multi-stakeholder teams and managing teams for high performance. Change management is key and experience of this is critical.
• Over 25 years of experience in guiding, steering, bringing change and managing multiple crop breeding programs, each with its USPs for efficient delivery and acceptable rate of NPI (New Product Introduction) commercially.
• Strong understanding of business and customer needs across crop segments.
• Knowledge of modern breeding tools, biotechnology, and data science.
• Experience in planning, resource allocation, and program evaluation.
• Strong analytical, leadership, strategic, and communication skills.