Rijk Zwaan Netherlands -JOBS

Cultivate Innovation with the World's Leading Vegetable Breeding Pioneer - Join Rijk Zwaan Netherlands

Essential Position Information

Positions Available:	12 Agricultural Innovation, Research, and Operations Positions
Company:	Rijk Zwaan - Royal Family-Owned Vegetable Breeding Company
Working Schedule:	Full-time, Flexible arrangements, Research-focused environment
Location:	De Lier, South Holland, Netherlands (Global headquarters)
Contract Type:	Permanent positions with comprehensive benefits
Educational Requirements:	Varies by position - Agricultural expertise and innovation focus
Experience Level:	Entry level to Senior research positions available
Language Requirements:	Dutch and English proficiency beneficial, international environment
Target Candidates:	EU citizens and authorized workers in the Netherlands
Application Deadline:	Continuous recruitment - Apply today

---

Rijk Zwaan: Pioneering the Future of Global Food Security Through Innovation

Rijk Zwaan stands as one of the world's most prestigious and influential vegetable breeding companies, representing a century of agricultural innovation and family-owned excellence that has fundamentally shaped the global food landscape. Founded in 1924 and recently honored with the Dutch royal title "Koninklijk" in recognition of our centennial achievements, Rijk Zwaan has evolved from a small Dutch seed company into the fourth-largest vegetable seed supplier worldwide, serving professional growers in more than 100 countries and touching the lives of millions of people who consume fruits and vegetables grown from our seeds every single day.

Headquartered in De Lier, South Holland, in the heart of the Netherlands' renowned Westland greenhouse region, Rijk Zwaan operates as an independent, family-owned enterprise that combines traditional agricultural wisdom with cutting-edge scientific innovation. Our global workforce of 4,200 dedicated professionals across more than 30 countries represents one of the most diverse and talented teams in the agricultural sector, united by a shared commitment to developing sustainable solutions for the world's growing food security challenges.

The company's unwavering commitment to research and development is reflected in our substantial investment of 30% of annual turnover into R&D activities, positioning us at the forefront of agricultural innovation and enabling us to develop breakthrough varieties that address climate change, evolving consumer preferences, and the increasing demand for sustainable food production. This research-intensive approach has resulted in an extensive portfolio of more than 2,000 fruit and vegetable varieties across 30+ different crops, each designed to meet specific regional growing conditions and market requirements.

Rijk Zwaan's approach to vegetable breeding transcends traditional agricultural practices by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital phenotyping, and data-driven breeding methodologies that accelerate the development of superior varieties with enhanced yields, natural disease resistance, and improved nutritional profiles. This technological leadership creates exceptional opportunities for professionals to work at the intersection of agriculture, biotechnology, and digital innovation while contributing to solutions that will feed the world's growing population.

The company's philosophy of "putting people first" extends beyond our workforce to encompass our relationships with growers, customers, and communities worldwide, creating a collaborative ecosystem that values human expertise, cultural diversity, and sustainable practices. This people-centered approach makes Rijk Zwaan an exceptional place to build a career in agricultural innovation while making a meaningful impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.

Comprehensive Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production Operations

Rijk Zwaan operates one of the world's most sophisticated and comprehensive vegetable breeding programs, encompassing the entire spectrum of modern agricultural innovation from genetic research and variety development to seed production and global distribution. Our breeding operations combine traditional plant breeding expertise with advanced molecular techniques, genomics, and biotechnology to develop varieties that meet the evolving needs of professional growers and consumers worldwide.

The company's research facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, climate-controlled greenhouses, and extensive field testing locations that enable comprehensive evaluation of new varieties under diverse growing conditions. These facilities support breeding programs for major vegetable crops including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, leafy greens, brassicas, root vegetables, and specialty crops that serve both traditional and emerging market segments.

Our breeding methodology emphasizes the development of varieties with natural resistance to plant diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical inputs while maintaining high yields and superior quality characteristics. This approach requires expertise in plant pathology, genetics, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture practices that contribute to environmentally responsible food production systems.

The seed production operations encompass global networks of specialized growers and production facilities that ensure consistent quality and reliable supply of high-performance seeds. These operations require expertise in agronomy, quality control, logistics, and international trade that supports our ability to serve customers in diverse markets and growing conditions worldwide.

Rijk Zwaan's commitment to innovation extends to the development of specialized varieties for protected cultivation, including greenhouse and tunnel production systems that enable year-round production of high-quality vegetables in controlled environments. These advanced growing systems create opportunities for professionals to work with cutting-edge agricultural technologies while developing solutions for sustainable intensification of food production.

Global Market Leadership and Product Portfolio

Rijk Zwaan's extensive product portfolio represents one of the most comprehensive and innovative collections of vegetable varieties in the global seed industry, serving diverse market segments from large-scale commercial production to specialized niche markets. Our varieties are specifically developed to meet the unique requirements of different growing regions, climate conditions, and consumer preferences, demonstrating our commitment to providing tailored solutions for growers worldwide.

The tomato breeding program represents one of our flagship activities, developing varieties for greenhouse, tunnel, and open-field production that combine exceptional flavor, extended shelf life, disease resistance, and optimal growing characteristics. These varieties serve markets ranging from fresh consumption to processing applications, requiring expertise in fruit quality evaluation, post-harvest technology, and consumer preference research.

Our pepper and cucumber breeding programs focus on developing varieties with superior taste, appearance, and growing performance for both protected and open-field cultivation. These programs emphasize the development of specialty varieties including mini peppers, colored peppers, and unique cucumber types that meet evolving consumer demands for variety and convenience.

The leafy greens portfolio includes lettuce, spinach, arugula, and specialty salad crops that serve the rapidly growing fresh-cut and ready-to-eat market segments. These varieties require specialized breeding for extended shelf life, disease resistance, and optimal processing characteristics that meet the stringent requirements of modern food distribution systems.

Rijk Zwaan serves customers across all major global markets, with significant operations in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This global reach requires expertise in international business development, regulatory affairs, and cultural adaptation that supports our ability to introduce innovative varieties in diverse markets and growing systems worldwide.

Sustainable Innovation and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Rijk Zwaan is at the forefront of developing climate-smart agricultural solutions that address the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental sustainability while maintaining the productivity and profitability required for viable food production systems. Our breeding programs specifically target the development of varieties with enhanced tolerance to heat, drought, salinity, and other environmental stresses that are becoming increasingly important as growing conditions become more challenging.

The company's sustainability initiatives encompass comprehensive programs for reducing environmental impact throughout the seed production and distribution chain, including energy-efficient facilities, sustainable packaging solutions, and carbon footprint reduction strategies. These initiatives create opportunities for professionals interested in environmental management, sustainable technology, and corporate responsibility to contribute to meaningful environmental improvements.

Our research programs include collaborative projects with universities, research institutions, and international organizations focused on developing breakthrough technologies for sustainable agriculture, including precision breeding techniques, biological pest control solutions, and resource-efficient growing systems. These collaborations provide opportunities for researchers and scientists to work on cutting-edge projects that advance the frontiers of agricultural science.

Rijk Zwaan's commitment to biodiversity conservation includes extensive germplasm collection and preservation activities that maintain genetic diversity for future breeding programs while supporting global efforts to preserve agricultural heritage varieties. These activities require expertise in plant genetics, conservation biology, and international cooperation that contributes to long-term food security and agricultural sustainability.

The company's digital agriculture initiatives include the development of data-driven breeding tools, precision agriculture technologies, and decision support systems that help growers optimize production while minimizing environmental impact. These technologies create opportunities for professionals with expertise in data science, agricultural technology, and digital innovation to contribute to the transformation of modern agriculture.

Exceptional Career Opportunities: 12 Diverse Positions

Rijk Zwaan offers exceptional career opportunities across the complete spectrum of modern agricultural innovation, from fundamental research and variety development to global business operations and customer support. Our positions are designed to accommodate various skill levels and backgrounds, with opportunities for both recent graduates and experienced professionals to contribute to groundbreaking work in vegetable breeding and sustainable agriculture.

1. Plant Breeder - Tomato Varieties

Position Overview: Develop innovative tomato varieties while advancing breeding programs for greenhouse and field production systems.

Key Responsibilities for Plant Breeder:

• Design and execute tomato breeding programs
• Conduct genetic crosses and selection activities
• Evaluate varieties for yield, quality, and disease resistance
• Collaborate with molecular breeding and pathology teams
• Manage field trials and greenhouse experiments
• Document breeding progress and maintain genetic records
• Support variety registration and commercialization

Required Qualifications: Plant breeding or genetics education, tomato breeding experience, knowledge of breeding methodologies, analytical skills, attention to detail.

2. Research Scientist - Molecular Biology

Position Overview: Apply molecular techniques and genomics to accelerate breeding programs while developing innovative research methodologies.

Key Responsibilities for Research Scientist:

• Develop molecular markers for breeding applications
• Conduct genomic analysis and gene mapping
• Support marker-assisted selection programs
• Collaborate with breeding teams on variety development
• Maintain laboratory equipment and protocols
• Prepare research reports and publications
• Support technology transfer and training activities

Required Qualifications: Molecular biology or biotechnology education, laboratory experience, genomics knowledge, analytical skills, research background.

3. Field Trial Coordinator - Variety Testing

Position Overview: Coordinate field trials and variety evaluations while ensuring accurate data collection and analysis.

Key Responsibilities for Field Trial Coordinator:

• Plan and execute field trial programs
• Coordinate with growers and research stations
• Collect and analyze trial data
• Monitor crop performance and quality parameters
• Prepare trial reports and recommendations
• Support variety registration activities
• Maintain trial protocols and standards

Required Qualifications: Agricultural education or equivalent experience, field trial experience, data analysis skills, organizational abilities, travel availability.

4. Greenhouse Manager - Research Operations

Position Overview: Manage greenhouse facilities and research operations while supporting breeding and evaluation programs.

Key Responsibilities for Greenhouse Manager:

• Oversee greenhouse operations and maintenance
• Manage climate control and growing systems
• Coordinate research activities and trials
• Supervise greenhouse staff and operations
• Ensure plant health and quality standards
• Support breeding and evaluation programs
• Maintain safety and environmental protocols

Required Qualifications: Horticulture or agricultural education, greenhouse management experience, technical knowledge, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities.

5. Quality Control Specialist - Seed Testing

Position Overview: Conduct seed quality testing and analysis while ensuring compliance with international standards.

Key Responsibilities for Quality Control Specialist:

• Perform seed germination and vigor testing
• Conduct purity and moisture analysis
• Monitor seed health and disease testing
• Maintain laboratory equipment and procedures
• Document test results and quality data
• Support quality assurance programs
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards

Required Qualifications: Agricultural or laboratory science education, seed testing experience, analytical skills, attention to detail, quality consciousness.

6. Product Development Manager - New Varieties

Position Overview: Manage product development and commercialization while coordinating variety introduction programs.

Key Responsibilities for Product Development Manager:

• Coordinate variety development and testing programs
• Manage product launch and commercialization
• Collaborate with breeding and marketing teams
• Conduct market research and customer feedback
• Support regulatory approval processes
• Develop product positioning and messaging
• Monitor competitive landscape and trends

Required Qualifications: Business or agricultural education, product management experience, market knowledge, project management skills, communication abilities.

7. Technical Sales Representative - Greenhouse Crops

Position Overview: Provide technical support and sales services while building relationships with greenhouse growers.

Key Responsibilities for Technical Sales Representative:

• Develop and maintain customer relationships
• Provide technical advice and variety recommendations
• Conduct product demonstrations and trials
• Support customer problem-solving and optimization
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities
• Prepare sales reports and market feedback
• Participate in trade shows and industry events

Required Qualifications: Agricultural education, sales experience, greenhouse knowledge, communication skills, customer service orientation, travel availability.

8. Data Analyst - Breeding Analytics

Position Overview: Analyze breeding data and develop analytical tools while supporting data-driven breeding decisions.

Key Responsibilities for Data Analyst:

• Analyze breeding and trial data
• Develop statistical models and analytical tools
• Support breeding program optimization
• Create data visualizations and reports
• Maintain databases and data systems
• Collaborate with breeding and research teams
• Support digital breeding initiatives

Required Qualifications: Statistics, data science, or bioinformatics education, analytical experience, programming skills, agricultural knowledge, problem-solving abilities.

9. Pathology Specialist - Disease Resistance

Position Overview: Develop disease resistance screening programs while supporting breeding for natural resistance.

Key Responsibilities for Pathology Specialist:

• Conduct disease resistance screening and evaluation
• Maintain pathogen cultures and inoculation systems
• Develop new screening methodologies
• Support breeding programs with resistance data
• Monitor emerging diseases and resistance breakdown
• Collaborate with breeding and molecular teams
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations

Required Qualifications: Plant pathology or microbiology education, disease screening experience, laboratory skills, analytical abilities, research background.

10. International Business Developer - Emerging Markets

Position Overview: Develop business opportunities in emerging markets while expanding global market presence.

Key Responsibilities for International Business Developer:

• Identify and develop new market opportunities
• Build relationships with distributors and partners
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis
• Support variety adaptation and testing programs
• Coordinate regulatory approval processes
• Develop market entry strategies
• Monitor business performance and growth

Required Qualifications: Business or agricultural education, international business experience, market development skills, cultural awareness, language abilities, travel availability.

11. Sustainability Coordinator - Environmental Programs

Position Overview: Develop and implement sustainability initiatives while supporting environmental stewardship programs.

Key Responsibilities for Sustainability Coordinator:

• Develop sustainability strategies and programs
• Monitor environmental performance and metrics
• Support carbon footprint reduction initiatives
• Coordinate waste reduction and recycling programs
• Prepare sustainability reports and communications
• Support certification and compliance activities
• Engage with stakeholders and industry initiatives

Required Qualifications: Environmental science or sustainability education, sustainability experience, project management skills, analytical abilities, communication skills.

12. Production Planner - Seed Operations

Position Overview: Plan and coordinate seed production operations while ensuring optimal supply chain management.

Key Responsibilities for Production Planner:

• Plan seed production schedules and requirements
• Coordinate with growers and production partners
• Monitor production progress and quality
• Manage inventory levels and distribution
• Optimize production costs and efficiency
• Support demand forecasting and planning
• Ensure compliance with quality standards

Required Qualifications: Agricultural or business education, production planning experience, supply chain knowledge, analytical skills, organizational abilities.

Working at Rijk Zwaan: Cultivating Innovation for Global Impact

Employment at Rijk Zwaan offers the extraordinary opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization that is actively shaping the future of global food security while contributing to sustainable agricultural solutions that will benefit generations to come. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and human development creates a work environment where professionals can build meaningful careers while participating in groundbreaking research and development that addresses some of the world's most pressing agricultural challenges.

The diverse nature of our operations provides employees with unique opportunities for skill development and career advancement across multiple aspects of agricultural innovation, from fundamental plant breeding research to global business development and customer support. This diversity creates natural progression paths and opportunities to develop comprehensive expertise that enhances career prospects both within Rijk Zwaan and throughout the global agricultural and biotechnology industries.

Our commitment to employee development is reflected in comprehensive training programs that combine traditional agricultural expertise with emerging technologies in genomics, data science, and sustainable agriculture. The company's partnerships with universities and research institutions provide additional opportunities for professional development and exposure to the latest advances in plant breeding and agricultural technology.

The company's location in De Lier provides an exceptional quality of life in one of the world's most advanced agricultural regions, with easy access to major European cities and cultural attractions. This unique combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle quality makes Rijk Zwaan an attractive destination for professionals seeking challenging careers in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Employee benefits at Rijk Zwaan include competitive compensation packages that reflect Dutch employment standards, comprehensive health and wellness programs, retirement savings plans, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance. The company's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact creates a workplace that aligns with the values of employees who want to make a positive difference in the world.

Professional Development and Innovation Culture

Rijk Zwaan is deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, recognizing that investing in people and ideas is essential for maintaining our position as a leader in vegetable breeding and agricultural technology. Our comprehensive approach to professional development includes formal training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear advancement pathways that support both individual aspirations and organizational objectives.

New employees participate in thorough orientation programs that cover Rijk Zwaan's values and culture, agricultural practices, research methodologies, and job-specific training designed to ensure success in their roles. These programs emphasize the importance of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration while introducing the advanced technologies and processes that define modern plant breeding.

The company's technical training programs provide opportunities for employees to develop expertise in emerging technologies, including genomics, digital phenotyping, precision agriculture, and sustainable production systems. These programs prepare employees for the future of agriculture while enhancing their value to the organization and their career prospects in the evolving agricultural industry.

Cross-functional development opportunities allow employees to gain experience in multiple operational areas, enhancing their understanding of integrated agricultural systems while providing variety and growth in their daily work. These opportunities often lead to specialized roles or management positions that combine knowledge from different aspects of plant breeding and business operations.

Rijk Zwaan's connections to the global agricultural research community and international seed industry create additional opportunities for career development, including potential international assignments, specialized training programs, and exposure to best practices from across the global agricultural sector. These connections provide unique opportunities for professional growth that extend beyond traditional agricultural careers.

Application Process -welo zanda

Our application process is designed to identify talented individuals who share our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in agricultural research and development. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experience levels, recognizing that diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our team and enhance our ability to address the complex challenges of global food security.

To apply for any of these exceptional career opportunities at Rijk Zwaan, please submit your application to recrutement@rijkzwaan.fr including a current CV highlighting your relevant experience and achievements, a cover letter explaining your interest in working at Rijk Zwaan and the specific position you're seeking, and contact information for professional references who can speak to your qualifications and work ethic.