Head of Regulatory Affairs Seeds & Traits - EMEA (m/f/d)

WELCOME TO BASF

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in fulfilling many of humanity’s basic needs: food, feed, energy. To support growers and those who take care of our environment, BASF develops innovative solutions for farming, pest-, disease- and weed control so that we can effectively contribute to improving people’s lives and business’ demands. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for sustainable agriculture.

We are seeking a Head of Regulatory Affairs Seeds & Traits - EMEA to join us at our R&D Innovation Center in Ghent, Belgium.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The Head of Seeds and Traits Regulatory Affairs ,EMEA is responsible for ensuring that BASF maintains and expands its License to Operate by directing global priority projects, providing guidance on our pipeline and re-registrations, championing key projects with significant strategic impact, and leading teams through the various stages of new project development. Reporting to the Global Vice President of Seeds and Traits Regulatory Affairs, this role is a key member of the global Regulatory, Sustainability & Public Affairs leadership community. This are the key responsibilities:

• Strategically lead a large and complex organization of regulatory professionals, continually developing our culture, competencies, and capabilities within the regulatory domain.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities in relevant EU countries, as well as other key EMEA authorities, including Russia and South Africa. Serve as the primary point of contact for Crops Seeds and Traits within the EMEA leadership team.
• Provide timely insights to the business community regarding regulatory timelines and milestone development, while supporting the facilitation of prompt regulatory approvals. This includes overseeing the submission of dossiers for GMO seed products, seed variety registration, and biosafety permits to relevant regulatory authorities at both country and regional levels.
• Drive technical advocacy to achieve and defend BASF’s License to Operate (LTO) by leveraging and integrating scientific, regulatory, and political advocacy efforts.
• Promote product stewardship to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards.
• Advocate for regulatory policies and a political environment that supports the commercialization of our Agricultural Solutions portfolio. Proactively identify emerging and cross-cutting international issues that impact biotech and regulatory policy, creating opportunities for the representation of the "Seeds Business" in international forums where these matters are discussed and negotiated.
• Actively lead and encourage participation in industry organizations such as Crop Life Europe, EuroSeeds, AfricaBio, and other global industry associations.
• Collaborate closely with other License to Operate functions and engage with the extended global LTO leadership community, as well as foster strong partnerships with Strategic Marketing and Legal teams.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• You hold a Master's degree in an agriculture-related field or a related scientific discipline.
• You have a minimum of 12 years of experience in the agriculture and biotechnology sectors.
• You have comprehensive working knowledge of global GMO regulations, with a proven track record of successfully registering GM events.
• You possess the ability to define regulatory strategies in an ever-changing political environment, effectively communicate changes, and deliver a License to Operate on a global scale.
• You demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with advanced proficiency in English required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
• A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities.
• An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus, and extra-legal benefits.
• A good work-life balance.

HOW TO REACH US

If you need more Information about the process or the vacancy, please reach out to Patrick at talent-acquisition-belgium@basf.com.

ABOUT US

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

Diversity is our greatest strength!

Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.