Managing Director Production & Sales at Rijk Zwaan October, 2020

Our two subsidiaries in Tanzania are led by a board of three Managing Directors who are jointly responsible for the entire operation in Tanzania. The two subsidiaries, Q-Sem and Afrisem, consist of a total of 473 employees. Each Managing Director has his own field of attention in breeding, sales & production or finance/HR. The candidate we are looking for will be focusing on the production and sales activities.
Within this role the production responsibility focuses on the production activities at two stations. Together with the Production Managers you take care of a high quality seed production in Tanzania and breeding support for the breeding programs in Europe. In this role you work together with many departments and colleagues, such as the Quality Assurance Department, Station Manager(s) and maintenance and Repair teams to ensure high quality seed productions are carried out. An important focus is the optimization of several processes. For the commercial part you work closely together with the Sales Manager and the sales team, who serve all our clients throughout the country. You have an important people oriented role. You will provide purpose, direction, and motivation for the teams.
As Managing Director Production & Sales it is important to have a broad interest in all aspects of managing a company including fostering the Rijk Zwaan company culture and the public image of the company.

We are seeking a Managing Director Production & Sales with:

• An academic degree (Masters) in the field of horticulture and knowledge of growing vegetables
• At least 10 years relevant experience
• Proven and adequate horticultural experience
• People oriented leadership skills
• Positive thinking and attitude
• You are fluent in English. Knowledge of Swahili and/or Dutch is an advantage.

You are a good leader and organizer with an international outlook. You have an active and practical approach. You are persistent and you like to solve problems. You are able to think and act independently. You are a team player and you think in long-term processes. You maintain a good balance between the long-term goals and short term demands. You have an open personality, good communication skills, you are trustworthy and sensitive to good advice.

Rijk Zwaan: your new employer?

Rijk Zwaan is an international family company with a people-oriented culture. Rijk Zwaan is right at the start of the food chain. We develop vegetable varieties and sell the seeds produced from them globally. We have a long-term focus, which is why we offer our employees a permanent contract as soon as they join us. From our strategic position we contribute to the health and well-being of people all over the world. Everything we do is about growth. The growth of natural products that we export around the world. The growth of our company, which currently employs around 3,300 people in more than 30 countries. And above all the growth of our people: we give you every opportunity to use your own initiative and achieve your full potential. Working with colleagues to produce the best and tastiest vegetables. Reinforcing, helping and inspiring one another. That’s how we want to continuously work together towards a healthy future.