Head (f/m/d) of Software Engineering & Architecture in R&D
About this role
Are you passionate about building high-performing engineering organizations and shaping the future of digital product delivery? Do you enjoy combining strong technical understanding with people leadership, operational excellence, and transformation?
In KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA Einbeck, we are looking for a Head (m/f/d) of Software Engineering & Architecture in R&D to lead and further develop our digital engineering organization. As part of the R&D Digital Product & Technology Development leadership team you will drive the delivery of digital products, platforms, and services for R&D, while continuously improving engineering standards, delivery performance, quality, reliability, and productivity.
You will play a key role in evolving our engineering setup into a more flexible, AI-enabled, and metric-driven organization that can respond dynamically to changing business priorities and accelerate innovation across KWS.
Your Responsibilities
As Head (m/f/d) of Software Engineering & Architecture in R&D, you will shape the future of digital product delivery at KWS by building a high-performing and adaptable engineering organization that enables innovation on a scale.
You will:
- Lead and further develop the engineering organization responsible for delivering digital products, platforms, and services that support our global R&D activities.
- Drive engineering excellence by creating an environment where teams can deliver reliable, secure, and high-quality solutions with speed and impact.
- Build a future-ready organization by advancing modern ways of working, strengthening engineering capabilities, and unlocking the potential of AI across the development lifecycle.
- Foster strong partnerships across business and technology functions while ensuring effective collaboration with external vendors and service partners.
- Inspire, coach, and empower leaders and teams, cultivating a culture of accountability, continuous learning, innovation, and inclusion.
Your Profile
You are an experienced technology leader (m/f/d) who enjoys developing people, shaping organizations, and turning ambitious ideas into business value.
You bring:
- Proven leadership experience in software engineering, digital product development, or technology-driven organizations.
- A track record successfully leading complex products, platforms, or transformation initiatives in dynamic environments.
- Strong understanding of modern engineering practices and the ability to translate strategic goals into effective execution.
- Experience driving organizational change and building high-performing teams through trust, empowerment, and collaboration.
- Curiosity for emerging technologies, including AI, and a passion for continuously improving how engineering teams work and deliver value.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with fluency in English. German is a plus.
What You Can Expect
In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape a strategically important engineering function at the interface of digital technology, R&D, and innovation. You will work in a global environment and contribute to strengthening the digital capabilities that support KWS’ future growth.
You can expect:
- A leadership role with global scope and high strategic relevance.
- The opportunity to shape modern engineering standards, practices, and operating models
- Highly motivated internal teams of software developers working in synthony with external teams
- A strong support to enable new technologies, like AI, and to develop future-ready digital capabilities
- Close collaboration with digital products, technology, R&D, and business stakeholders
- A working environment that values collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and innovation
Join Us
If you are excited about leading engineering transformation, enabling high-performing teams, and shaping the future of digital product delivery in an innovative R&D environment, we look forward to receiving your application.
Grow your career with KWS and help us build the digital capabilities of tomorrow.
Company at a glance
KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 170 years. We focus on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for corn, sugar beet, cereals, rapeseed, sunflowers and vegetables. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods. Ca.5,000 employees represent KWS in more than 70 countries.
At KWS we work in an international environment with motivated employees and experienced teams. We want you to contribute your know-how and knowledge, your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. We will provide you with continuous support for further professional and personal development.
This is how we think and act at KWS. If you share this viewpoint and want to seed the future with us, visit us on: www.kws.com/career.
Top Benefits
- Global leadership role
- Strategic influence
- Professional development
- Innovative R&D environment
- Collaborative culture
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