Head Omics And Biotechnologies Department H/F - Florimond Desprez

Groupe Florimond Desprez (GFD) breeds varieties and produces seeds to meet the needs of arable crop farmers, the agro-industrial sectors and consumers, while actively supporting the agro-ecological transition. The group mainly works with species intended for human consumption and is a world leader in sugar beet seeds, a leading European breeder of straw cereal and a major player in the European seed potato market. Florimond Desprez is an independent family-owned company founded in 1830 that operates in 65 countries, devotes 15% of its sales to research and employs 1,200 persons. Groupe Florimond Desprez is headquartered in Cappelle-en-Pévèle, France.The Omics and Biotechnologies department is part of the Research Unit of the Groupe Florimond Desprez. We deliver tools and technologies to the other departments of the Research Unit, and to the breeding departments of the different crops (cereals and pulses, potato, sugar/fodder beet, chicory) of the Groupe. We develop Proof-of-Concepts or validate technological developments which can be applied in variety development. Our projects contribute to trait discovery for the crops of the Groupe by combining bioinformatics, genomics, and/or genome editing techniques.

YOUR FUNCTION

Your main tasks within this role will be the following:

- You will be leading a team of 10 persons, located in two sites Cappelle-en-Pévèle (France) and Tienen (Belgium).
- You will be leading and managing the portfolio of projects and activities related to your team's field of expertise for the different crops of the Groupe Florimond Desprez (GFD).
- You will plan the yearly budget of your team, and monitor the expenses. You will strive for operational efficiency in your activities.
- You will identify new collaborations with academia and external private companies when appropriate.
- You will have very frequent interactions with the other teams within the Research Unit, as well as with the different Business Units.
- You will provide written reports on your projects and technical notes for internal and external stakeholders.
- You will keep yourself up-to-date with findings from academia and other sources through literature search and participation to conferences.

For this position, you can be based either in Tienen (BE) or in Cappelle-en-Pévèle (FR). Regular travels between both sites are required (driving license is a must).

- You have an education in bioinformatics, data science, or equivalent through experience
- You have a good understanding of plant genetics, and/or plant biology
- Being familiar with New Genomic Techniques is a plus
- You have 5+ years of professional experience, ideally with experience in people management
- Showing good leadership skills, you are curious, enthusiastic, and eager to learn.
- You are accurate, and you have an eye for details.
- You are able to operate in an international, and fast-paces environment
- You show strong values of collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
- You have very good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
- Additional knowledge of French and/or Dutch is a plus.