Lead Business Developer - Labor Automation Solutions in the Horticulture Industry (f/m/x)

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:

1. Lead the definition of the labor automation solution offering
2. Provide application knowledge, industry insights, and experience to the team
3. Drive the vision of greenhouse labor automation solutions
4. Identify potential venture opportunities and support due diligence
5. Organize access to greenhouses for testing and prototype feedback
6. Establish a partnering network for development, testing, and commercialization
7. Drive strategic partnerships to gain external 'buy-in' for ZEISS' AgTech vision
8. Engage with key opinion leaders and stakeholders in the industry
9. Bring a pragmatic and start-up mentality to ensure efficient and agile progress
10. Prepare concepts for commercialization

Your Profile

1. A degree with excellent grades in natural science, agronomy, engineering, or economics - PhD or MBA as a plus
2. Distinctive professional experience in horticulture industry with focus on business development gained during at least the last 10 years
3. Experience with labor automation as a plus
4. Experience in leading and steering complex projects as a project manager and drive business development activities in the horticulture industry
5. Excellent commercial acumen and financial planning skills
6. Broad network within the horticulture industry
7. Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
8. Keen interest in investigating complex problems and drive labor automation solutions
9. A resourceful team player with a willingness to help others succeed
10. Proficiency in English, both in written and spoken communication. German and/or Dutch a plus
11. 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