Wageningen University & Research is looking to appoint a new Managing Director for its Plant Sciences Group.

On behalf of Wageningen University & Research, Perrett Laver is recruiting for this position. For more information, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/2706/managing_director_plant_sciences_group/.

Plant Sciences Group (PSG)
The Plant Sciences Group (PSG) is one of the five WUR Science Groups. Combining knowledge and expertise in plant sciences, new perspectives for sustainable horti- and agriculture are offered to partners from industry, governments, research institutes and universities. Its eight business units and 19 chairgroups the Wageningen Plant Research Institute conduct worldtop scientific research and collaborate with leading partners in international business and government in the area of food production systems, resilient plants, soil health and biometrics.The research and education of PSG covers plant sciences at various levels: from the molecule to the gene to the cell, and from plants and crops in farming systems to whole ecosystems and production systems.

The ambition of PSG is to create knowledge and impact on sustainable plant resources for a healthy world. PSG provides solutions to produce healthy food and to mitigate climate change, with its multifaceted research and numerous partners. Applying this research and knowledge on fundamental systems, new agricultural systems and processes is crucial to move towards a more healthy, sustainable and biobased world.

Key Responsibilities and Characteristics
The Managing Director holds final responsibility for the strategy and functioning of PSG in the areas of research, education, business development, marketing, finance, organisational development, personnel, communication and culture within the complex organisation of Wageningen University Research. The Managing Director leads on the development of an inspiring vision for PSGand creates support for this vision across the Science Group. S/he will promote and ensure a structurally strong scientific position as well as a national and international market orientation for PSG.

Reporting to the President of the Executive Board, the Managing Director is a member of the Board of Directors/Concern Council. Therefore, the Managing Director is responsible for the Groups contribution to the wider WUR strategy and expected to develop and lead cross-unit initiatives that contribute to strengthening WUR as a whole.

Evidence of below's described experience and competences are part of the ideal candidates profile:
Externally connected

• Shares the vision of the Plant Sciences Group to create knowledge and impact on sustainable plant resources for a healthy world, has a strong affinity with the scientific domains of PSG and preferably a PhD;
• has a relevant national and international network (including government, industry, academia and other social partners) and is expanding this constantly;
• can link scientific quality and innovation to acquisition, social impact and customer focus;
• has a vision for developing, transferring and adding value to knowledge; is outward-facing and sensitive to the public and political debate.

Internally committed

• is a connector and a team player who promotes cooperation and who has a leadership style that is both guiding and coaching;
• is result-driven and has proven management skills, with experience in administration and management;
• is open to and responds proactively to change, and can translate this into innovative solutions;
• is receptive, seeks consensus and takes responsibility in resolving issues and stands behind decisions taken;communicates clearly and effectively;recognizes the role of the Works Council (employee participation) in the governance of PSG and is able to maintain constructive relations with it.

Salary is competitive and depending on qualifications and experience. Salary and benefits are based on the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities. Additionally, Wageningen University & Research offers an attractive package of secondary employment benefits.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University and Research (WUR) is recognised worldwide as the globally leading university and research organisation in the fields of agriculture, healthy food and the living environment. WUR's integral approach, combining fundamental scientific research at Wageningen University with the market-focus of the Wageningen Research Foundation Institutes, leads to scientific breakthroughs that can quickly be translated into practice and incorporated into education. By developing innovative technical, social and nature-based solutions, WUR contributes to protect nature, enhance biodiverse ecosystems and support liveable urban and rural communities. More than 6,800 employees and 12,900 students join together in their mission to "explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life".