Head of Cereals & Pulses Research (F/M)

Limagrain is a global company with deep local roots. Our parent company is an agricultural cooperative based in the Limagne‑Val d’Allier plain, in the heart of Central France’s Auvergne region, while we are an international seed and agri‑food group with some 9,600 employees working in 53 countries.

As the 4th largest seed company in the world, we achieved sales of 2.522 billion euros in 2023‑2024, with additional sales of 729 million euros from activities carried out in collaboration with our strategic partners.

We are looking for an experienced research leader to head our global cereals (wheat, barley) and pulses breeding activities within Limagrain Field Seeds Research. Based in Chappes (France), you will steer a worldwide portfolio of breeding programs and R&D projects across Europe, Asia, North and South America (including Canada), Mediterranean countries and Africa. You will report to the Head of LFS Research and will play a central role at the interface between R&D, territories and strategic marketing.

Your Main Responsibilities

Set the strategy and drive impact

• Define, together with LFS Research management and the business, the short, medium and long‑term objectives for cereals and pulses breeding and the target product portfolio.
• Define proper strategy (team, organization, breeding strategy…) to deliver defined objectives.
• Lead the global R&D portfolio for cereals and pulses (strategy and budget), allocating resources across breeding, traits and technologies to deliver innovative varieties that meet market needs.
• Cobuild trait discovery and development strategies with trait leaders and T&T teams (GM and Native traits).

Lead global breeding programs

• Insure adequate product delivery aligned with business needs
• Lead worldwide cereals and pulses breeding programs, from breeding strategy, germplasm use optimization, technology deployment to product delivery, in close connection with regional breeding teams and relevant stakeholders.
• Integrate advanced technologies (genomics, molecular markers, digital tools, high‑throughput phenotyping, data analytics, rapid cycling) to accelerate genetic gain and improve efficiency.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (genetic gain, germplasm usage, network quality, seed productivity of inbreds, etc.) to Research and territories management.

Connect regions and functions

• Foster strong cross‑regional interactions between breeding teams to share know‑how, exchange germplasm and leverage common support platforms.
• Act as a key interface between R&D, territories and strategic marketing, ensuring alignment between research priorities and market expectations.
• Cooperate with other crops & functions to optimize resources uses
• Represent Limagrain in external collaborations related to cereals and pulses activities.

Lead and develop people

• Lead and mentor an international network of breeders and scientists, promoting a culture of innovation, excellence, safety, diversity & inclusion and collaboration.
• Contribute to people review, succession planning and development plans, together with HR and Heads of Program.

Own your budget and ensure compliance

• Prepare, manage, follow and optimize operating and capital budgets for cereals and pulses research, in collaboration with Research Finance team.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, ethical and regulatory standards across all activities and teams under your responsibility.
• PhD or equivalent in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in plant breeding or applied crop research.
• Strong expertise in cereals and/or pulses breeding, quantitative genetics and seed industry practices.
• Proven track record in leading breeding programs or complex R&D portfolios, ideally in an international and matrix environment.
• Experience in integrating modern breeding technologies (genomics, molecular markers, digital tools, rapid cycling, data‑driven decision making).
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders (researchers, business, partners) across regions.
• Strong analytical, organizational and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Fluency in English is required; French is a plus.

Why join Limagrain Field Seeds Research in this role

• A global scope covering key cereal and pulse crops and strategic regions.
• The opportunity to shape long‑term research and product strategy and to impact farmers and food systems through innovation in seeds.
• An international, science‑driven environment, combining advanced technologies and strong field expertise, with a high level of autonomy and responsibility.