Product Manager, Watermelon, Melon & Squash

Product Manager, Watermelon, Melon & Squash 

Location: United States (East or West Coast preferred) 
Employment Type: Full‑Time, Exempt 
Reports To: Regional Product Manager 

About the Role 

As a Product Manager for Watermelon, Melon & Squash, you play a key role in driving Enza Zaden’s commercial success across the region. You will be responsible for maximizing market share and gross margin, shaping the strategic direction of the crop segments, and ensuring strong execution of regional market plans. This role requires a blend of market insight, product expertise, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver a competitive and profitable product portfolio. 

Key Responsibilities 

Portfolio & Market Strategy 

• Maximize market share and gross margin by optimizing variety positioning in close collaboration with the Portfolio Manager and Sales teams. 

• Analyze regional sales and forecasts; align with Subsidiary Sales Managers and Global Portfolio Managers to ensure a consistent strategic assortment. 

• Co‑create strategic market plans and detailed crop segment strategies (conventional and organic). 

• Provide insights and feedback to Breeders regarding customer needs, product concepts, and product‑market combinations. 

• Develop and maintain strategic product models per crop or crop type, incorporating key traits and relevant market intelligence. 

Customer & Market Engagement 

• Participate in customer planning and deliver technical product information to key accounts and stakeholders. 

• Maintain close contact with customers, associations, and advisors to capture market needs and emerging trends. 

Product Advancement & Allocation 

• Lead proposals for variety advancement (EX, CI, CP, CD) within CAP. 

• Make decisions on seed allocation for new and existing varieties, aligned with Global Portfolio Managers. 

Cross‑Functional Collaboration 

• Work with Regional Sales Directors and Global Portfolio Managers to harmonize product offerings and customer packages. 

• Collaborate with Product Developers, Portfolio Management, Sales, and Marketing to ensure alignment between product strategy and regional execution. 

Internal & External Relationships 

Internal: 

• Product Developers – collaborate on data, product positioning, and strategy 

• Portfolio Management – translate global crop strategy into regional plans 

• Sales Team – convert regional strategy into local action plans 

• Marketing – gather market data and support execution of marketing plans 

External: 

• Customers & Industry Stakeholders – maintain regular contact, understand needs, and support customer plans 

Required Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree (HBO or higher professional level) preferred 

• 7+ years of relevant experience in agriculture, product management, or a related field 

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong agricultural background 

• Excellent analytical and communication skills 

• Demonstrated collaboration and cross‑functional teamwork skills 

• Ability to travel frequently within the Americas.  

Working Conditions 

• Frequent domestic and regional business travel , approximately 40%. 

• Must meet eligibility requirements under the company’s driver insurance policy. 

• Critical and complex crops and markets, requiring a high level of client relationship skills to maintain competitive positioning. 

• Accounts are typically highly challenging, complex, and diverse customers who require ongoing client relationship support. 

• High complexity of the market in terms of product, customer requirements, and cultural differences. 

• Works together with all Enza Zaden subsidiaries in the region to support aligned market strategy and execution. 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Estimated starting salary: $135,000 – $160,000 (based on skills, experience, and location)  

• Eligibility for annual bonus plan 

• Comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Life insurance and disability coverage 

• 401(k) with employer match 

• Paid personal time off and paid volunteer time off 

• Monthly fitness reimbursement 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

About Enza Zaden 

Enza Zaden is a global vegetable breeding company dedicated to providing access to healthy, diverse vegetables worldwide. With more than 3,000 passionate colleagues, we work together to create the vegetables of tomorrow. Join us and help shape the future of global food availability. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer.