Head of KWS Suisse (m/f/d)

Field of Work:General Management; Marketing & Sales; Strategy & Planning
Location: locationobj
Legal Entity: KWS Suisse SA (7100)
Contract Type: Regular
Is Full Time: Yes
Job ID: 15759

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 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 years 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:

• Bachelors 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.

About KWS

KWS is one of the worlds leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around 1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet corn cereals vegetables oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants resistance to diseases pests and abiotic stress. To that end the company invested more than 300 million last fiscal year in research and development. For more information: Follow us on LinkedIn at data privacy policy for candidates is available on Please select the country where the job you applied for is posted in and if applicable the specific business unit.