Product Developer Region Benelux
Product Developer (m/f)
Region Benelux
(Permanent position; full-time)
Are you passionate about horticulture and to be in the fields? You have experience in managing vegetable trials in Netherlands? You like to evaluate varieties and identify the right one for the market?
Keen to learn more about the Product Developer position we have available?
As a member of the Northern European sales team, you will actively participate in defining and developing our product portfolio mainly in Benelux area.
What will you do?
Manage trials:
- Plan, organize, monitor and assess all trial activities and processes pre-commercial and
commercial varieties with external partners, in particular Brassica crops - Manage the evaluation and development of new varieties, positioning our varieties in the right slot and segment
- Investigate and test new material for Sakata research department
- Develop trial network for your area and your crops
Know the market:
- Write reports on trial activities and market trends
- Record and analyze data, to stay updated on local market trends and requirements
Supporting activities:
- Support Sakata in the running of field days and exhibitions
- Provide accurate technical advice to Sakata sales team, business partners and growers
in terms of variety of features, benefits and positioning
Where will you work?
You will be based in The Netherlands and working from your home office. In this position you will go to our clients into the fields and balance your travel and office hours depending on the peaks of the activity and weather conditions.
You will be part of our dynamic Northern Europe team, a multicultural team, and be part of Sales and Product Developers in countries including UK, Germany and Poland. You will report to the Benelux Sales Manager, Michel, and you will work closely together with the Product Developer, Linda, both based in The Netherlands.
Want to know more about the company?
You will be part of Sakata Vegetables EMEA team, part of the international Sakata Group. What makes Sakata different is that while being a key international player in the seed business, the company keeps a family spirit. This means 3 things:
- it’s a people-oriented company where it is easy to communicate at all levels
- you will work closely with your colleagues and customers and will never be far from the fields
- as a result of its Japanese origins, you'll be working for a stable company with an emphasis on long-term.
Do you fit this job?
- you hold a degree in agronomy or horticulture
- you have a previous proven experience in product development and trials (min. 5 years) in the vegetable sector, ideally in vegetable seed industry and with Brassica crops.
- you are ready to travel and go to visit trials at customers in the defined area of responsibility
- you enjoy working in a diverse set of crops no matter the weather conditions
- you are a highly disciplined professional with excellent organisational and planning skills along with a high level of autonomy and flexibility
- you have excellent communication skills and connect well with people
- you maintain good relationships and adapt yourself to different cultures and environment
- you are fluent in English and Dutch (reading, writing, and speaking), and you potentially speak other languages
- you handle with ease Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and other digital tools
What are the next steps?
1. Apply via our website and send us your application (resume + cover letter) before November 30th, 2025
2. First contact with Mélanie (HR Business Partner)
3. Interview with Mélanie and Michel (Sales Manager Benelux)
4. Final interview with Chris (Area Sales Manager SCNE) and Kate (Product Development Manager)