Senior Plant Breeder – Sunflower / Hybrid Systems

Description

 PanAmerican Seed is seeking a Senior Plant Breeder with expertise in sunflower and/or CMS-based hybrid systems to lead our sunflower breeding program in Guadalupe, California. Reporting to the Regional Breeding Director, this role combines scientific excellence, strategic vision, and leadership to deliver new varieties with strong market impact. The Senior Breeder will own long-term program direction, mentor a developing team, and ensure breeding outcomes align with PanAmerican Seed’s global objectives.  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and set the vision for the sunflower breeding program, from germplasm to commercial release. 
• Apply CMS hybrid systems and advanced breeding methods to develop competitive, high-performing hybrids. 
• Translate market and grower needs into clear breeding targets, balancing innovation and time-to-market. 
• Mentor and coach breeders and technicians, strengthening capability and shaping culture. 
• Integrate new technologies and tools across the program to improve efficiency and ROI. 
• Partner cross-functionally (production, supply chain, pathology, product management) to ensure smooth advancement and reliable seed production. 
• Represent breeding in cross-functional forums and with external stakeholders, influencing R&D direction. 
• Travel (~15%) to assess trials, meet growers, and track global market trends. 

Requirements

• Degree in Plant Breeding/Genetics: Ph.D. with 7+ years, M.S. with 10+ years, or B.S. with 12+ years of relevant breeding experience, ideally including sunflower. 
• Demonstrated success in CMS-based hybrid breeding and breeding program ownership. 
• Mastery of plant breeding principles, genetics, molecular tools, and advanced breeding strategies. 
• Strong track record leading complex, multi-year programs with measurable impact. 
• Skilled collaborator with strong communication, influence, and business insight. 
• Ability to anticipate challenges and deliver innovative, data-driven solutions. 
• Willingness to relocate to Guadalupe, CA, and travel domestically/internationally. 

Key Competencies

• Collaborative leadership across global, cross-functional teams. 
• Clear and adaptable communication, connecting science to business value. 
• Strategic and business insight with focus on commercial product 
• Innovation and complexity management in dynamic breeding pipelines. 
• Global perspective and cultural awareness. 

Salary Range: $140-165K 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time. 
• Ability to lift to 40 lbs. 
• Ability to work in hot and cold temperature environments 
• Ability to see and manipulate small objects (flower parts) 
•  Must possess the ability to walk and maneuver through the greenhouse and in between benches and stand for long periods of time. 

Our Promise To You:

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs