Your Role
Are you passionate about driving labor automation in horticulture? We are in search of an experienced, motivated, inquisitive, and results-oriented individual to assume the pivotal position of Business Development Lead in our newly formed AgTech department. ZEISS started a large strategic initiative to leverage our capabilities to bring labor automation solutions to high-end greenhouses, with an initial focus on robotics. Therefore, we established a dedicated team to drive this effort with a start-up like mindset within ZEISS. As the selected candidate, you will play a crucial role in leading the definition of the solution offering, providing expert advice, forming the commercial offering, establishing relationships with key customers, and leveraging existing networks to build necessary partnerships. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential and maintaining close proximity to the R&D teams will ensure customer-oriented product development and increase horticulture knowledge within the team.
Primary responsibilities include:
Lead the definition of the labor automation solution offering
Provide application knowledge, industry insights, and experience to the team
Drive the vision of greenhouse labor automation solutions
Identify potential venture opportunities and support due diligence
Organize access to greenhouses for testing and prototype feedback
Establish a partnering network for development, testing, and commercialization
Drive strategic partnerships to gain external "buy-in" for ZEISS' AgTech vision
Engage with key opinion leaders and stakeholders in the industry
Bring a pragmatic and start-up mentality to ensure efficient and agile progress
Prepare concepts for commercialization
Your Profile
A degree with excellent grades in natural science, agronomy, engineering, or economics - PhD or MBA as a plus
Distinctive professional experience in horticulture industry with focus on business development gained during at least the last 10 years
Experience with labor automation as a plus
Experience in leading and steering complex projects as a project manager and drive business development activities in the horticulture industry
Excellent commercial acumen and financial planning skills
Broad network within the horticulture industry
Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
Keen interest in investigating complex problems and drive labor automation solutions
A resourceful team player with a willingness to help others succeed
Proficiency in English, both in written and spoken communication. German and/or Dutch a plus
Willingness to travel, mainly within Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
At ZEISS, we value innovation, collaboration, and a passion for driving change. If you are ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to the future of labor automation solutions in high-end greenhouses, we look forward to receiving your application.
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Vanessa Reißle