Global Director of R&D Operations (M/F)
Job Description
As the Global Director of R&D Operations (M/F), you oversee the strategic and operational execution of HM.CLAUSE’s R&D activities across AMPA, ASIA, and EMEA. You ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality and reliable results that drive crop development and testing, while safeguarding safety, phytosanitary compliance, and environmental stewardship. This position can be based either in one of our sites in France (La Bohalle, Portes‑lès‑Valences or St Rémy de Provence) or in the US (our HQ in Davis, CA).
Job Missions
- Lead and develop a diverse global team and manage the global R&D Operations budget, including CAPEX and maintenance.
- Contribute to global strategy and cross‑functional collaboration as a core member of the HM.CLAUSE R&D Global Management Team and the Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS) R&D Operations Leadership Team, building inclusive teams and championing a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate, organize, and manage R&D activities and facilities across global sites.
- Ensure consistent execution of crop protocols and procedures.
- Promote best practices and facilitate knowledge sharing between regions.
- Develop future leaders and inspire high‑performing teams.
- Define site‑specific objectives; implement and monitor KPIs to improve operational performance.
- Collaborate with LVS R&D Operations leaders to design and implement synergies across stations.
- Act as a liaison with corporate support functions (HR, Finance, QSE).
- Oversee budget planning, financial control, and CAPEX alignment with strategic objectives.
- Ensure adherence to QSE standards; monitor incidents, conduct audits, and drive corrective actions.
- Stay informed on regional regulatory requirements and promote compliance.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
This role involves business travels (30%) and thus, you must be able to travel accordingly.
Profile Description
You are an experienced and influential leader who brings structure, clarity, and a strong transformation mindset. Collaborative and globally minded, you know how to align diverse teams, drive change with purpose, and install a performance‑oriented culture. You thrive in complex, multicultural, and matrixed environments, where your ability to engage, communicate, and bring people together makes a real difference. Impact‑driven, structured, and people‑focused, you contribute to shaping the long‑term success of the organization.
Key Qualifications
- Background in Seeds Business & Agronomy.
- Extensive experience in Operations.
- International exposure across multiple regions.
- Experience managing large multicultural teams.
- Budget management knowledge.
- Experience in change management and transformation would be a plus.
- Fluent English; French or Spanish as a plus.
Recruitment Process
Once your application has been submitted, an acknowledgement of receipt will confirm its receipt. We will study your profile in relation to the needs of the position and the company. If your application is selected, the following steps are part of our process:
- After a prequalification interview, we will ask you to complete personality inventories and reasoning tests that will serve as a basis for an interview with the Group’s Talent Management.
- Then you will meet your manager and your dotter line manager.
Groupe Limagrain is an employer that respects diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
Job Details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Research
- Industries: Farming and Food and Beverage Manufacturing