Head of KWS Nordics (m/f/d)

Join Our Team as Head of KWS - Nordics (m/f/d)

KWS is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead our commercial operations across the Nordics (Sweden/Finland/Norway). As Head of KWS - Nordics, you will be responsible for driving the success of our full crop portfolio in the region, aligning local market strategies with KWS's global objectives and guidelines. This is a full-time, permanent position based in our offices in Sweden.

Job description:

• Lead and develop commercial strategies tailored to the specific needs of each crop and market within the Nordics, ensuring alignment with KWS's broader North European strategic framework.
• Serve customers through the most effective channels (semi-direct, direct, distributors, sugar industry), with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and market growth.
• Manage and oversee the full operations of KWS Nordics, including business administration, team leadership, and legal compliance.
• Represent KWS with local authorities, ensuring operations comply with local legislation and align with corporate standards.
• Drive sustainable and profitable growth through strategic planning, sales management, marketing initiatives, and product development.

Key responsibilities:

• Promote customer-centric culture by implementing organizational changes in close collaboration with Regional Leadership.
• Lead and optimize commercial processes, ensuring they align with KWS's customer-focused approach.
• Represent and manage KWS Nordics in all legal, financial, and administrative matters, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and corporate standards.
• Oversee and guide cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, product development, logistics, and production, ensuring alignment and synergy across the organization.
• Recruit and retain top talent, fostering team stability, resolving conflicts, and supporting employee development and engagement.
• Define sales goals and action plans alongside the local Management Team, grounded in data analysis, market trends, and customer insights.
• Coordinate budget planning, forecasting, and fiscal year targets in collaboration with the Regional Commercial Team.
• Support seed production and multiplication by ensuring delivery of agreed hybrid portfolios and volumes with central production departments.
• Ensure cost-effective, timely logistics and product delivery across the Nordic region.
• Support Sales Managers in resolving client challenges, building stronger partnerships, and driving mutual profitability.
• Implement marketing and commercial strategies aligned with regional objectives, working closely with Product Development and Marketing teams.
• Foster structured customer relationship management using Salesforce and ensure a consistent, data-driven approach to client engagement.
• Build a resilient team structure with succession planning, talent development, and performance management, in cooperation with HR.
• Monitor and implement global and local frameworks, ensuring compliance and alignment with KWS headquarters' standards.
• Stay informed on strategic and operational directives from HQ and lead the execution locally.
• Contribute to and support global and local process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to HQ (Einbeck/Wohlde) and the Administration Center in Berlin.

Required profile:

• University degree in agriculture or business administration fields (higher degrees would be an advantage)
• Fluent in English language (verbal and written) , able to communicate in languages in scope
• Minimum 5 years of management experience in global companies, preferably in the agriculture sector, leading large and diverse teams in matrix organizations
• Knowledge of the Swedish, Finish and Norwegian seed business is an advantage
• Experience of leading multitasking commercial organization (Managing Managers)
• Experience in managing business size similar to described in area of responsibility
• Experience with Commercial contracts, deals, legal issues
• Keeping focused when under pressure

What we offer:

• A varied and impactful role in a truly international environment
• Flat hierarchies, motivated colleagues, and an open, collaborative culture
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working options, plus international travel
• A family-owned company culture based on trust, vision, and independence
• Excellent professional development opportunities under our motto: "Make Yourself Grow!"