Head of KWS Suisse (m/f/d) (Basel, Basel City, CH) bei SEEDING THE FUTURE - KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA

As KWS Suisse SA we are looking for a Head of KWS Suisse (m/f/d) who will shape the future of agricultural innovation for KWS in Switzerland. You will lead the KWS' business activities in Switzerland across all crops and sales channels, always aligned with the goals of our business units. You will initiate strategies and action plans to expand KWS' position in Switzerland in accordance with the guidelines set by KWS headquarters.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Basel, Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and follow up the fiscal year’s sales planning, budget and forecast, together with the Board of Directors, to guarantee the achievement of all topics and issues defined.
• Lead the cross-crop sales, marketing and product development & customer service teams/experts of Switzerland.
• Plan and define sales objectives and action plans, after analyzing figures and results, taking into consideration deadlines, feedback, skills, market situation incl. financial and economic development, and customers’ situation, to be able to achieve national objectives.
• Foster strong customer relationships and resolve challenges to enhance loyalty and profitability, as and when needed by the sales team.
• Oversee marketing strategies and campaigns, together with the product development & marketing experts, to boost brand awareness and sales performance.
• Develop and pursue a sustainable and holistic customer relationship management together with the marketing colleague.
• Manage customer service to ensure smooth planning and timely delivery of seeds in close collaboration with HQ. Structure and align processes to ensure reliable flow of information to clients.
• Build and maintain a robust team structure across back office, logistics, marketing, and freelance sales. This includes fostering continuous team development, cross-functional collaboration, succession planning, compensation management, and handling disciplinary matters, in close coordination with the HR Business Partner and in compliance with global policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all guidelines and frameworks issued by KWS Headquarters and local authorities, while staying up to date on changes in sales planning, process adjustments, and risks in key projects.
• Supporting local and global process improvement projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or business administration fields (higher degrees would be an advantage).
• Knowledge of Swiss agriculture business is a must.
• Management experience in global companies, preferably in the agriculture sector, is an advantage.
• Fluent in German, French and English language (verbal and written).
• Solid commercial understanding, steering a team, delivering top & bottom-line results.
• Strong leadership, positive mindset, and ability to lead through change while staying composed under pressure.
• Critical thinking, strategic planning, and proficiency in data analytics and reporting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

Our Offer:

• As a family-backed company, we live with the values of closeness, reliability, foresight and independence - a culture that is also lived in practice, e.g. through an open and friendly working atmosphere.
• True to the motto: "Make yourself grow!", we promote individual professional and personal development.
• We create the appropriate framework conditions for you: company car, flexible work arrangement, 13th month pay, and more.

We look forward to receiving your online application through our SuccessFactors application system! Please use the "Apply" function in the online advertisement.