Breeder Assistant

Do you enjoy interacting with a diverse group of people, helping them to succeed by proposing high quality vegetable seed varieties that meet their customer requirements?

Keen to learn more about the Breeder Assistant we have available?

As a member of the South African Breeding team, you will be responsible for assisting the Head of Breeding with developing and creating new hybrid Tomato`s for specific market segments.

What will you do?

• To support the breeder and farm teams in managing tasks such as seed picking and sowing, germination report, transplanting, plant maintenance, pollination, harvesting, seed extraction, seed disinfection, seed drying, packaging and inventory update in breeding database.
• Under the guidance of the breeder, assist and support in the planning, design, implementation, and execution of the breeding programs. Evaluate and assist in the selection process and contribute towards the efficient and timely output of the breeding programs.
• To coordinate and communicate the breeding program activities to the breeder but also to the farm team, pathology and molecular teams, and research management.
• Responsible and assist in sampling for MAS and pathology support.
• Assist the breeder in the planning, organizing, and supervising of crossing blocks.
• Assist the breeder in managing accurate and detailed breeding program management using Phenome and would include data entry, inventory management, interpretation, and reporting.
• Coordinate, following up, data collection, interpretation and reporting on the various on- and off-site trials.
• Responsible for seed shipments and record keeping.
• Implementation and adhering to phytosanitary requirements and seed health testing.

• Where will you work?
• You will be based in South Africa, Gauteng Lanseria Head Office. Your manager, Ian Blokpoel will be based onsite.
• You will be part of our dynamic multicultural EMEA team.
• Do you fit this profile?

You have

• An Honours Degree specializing in Plant Breeding or similar field
• 2+ years’ experience in Breeding
• A good level of English, both written and spoken
• A good level of organisation and time management
• A valid driver’s license

You are

• A fast learner and comfortable with taking initiative
• A team player who finds it easy to communicate and collaborate within the team and with other departments
• Flexible, pro-active and able to perform in a multicultural environment
• Willing to work across a broad range of diverse tasks and environments.
• Willing to work in field and greenhouse conditions.
• Able to work with deadlines

Do you want to know more about the company?

You will be part of Sakata Seed Southern Africa team, part of the Sakata Group. What makes Sakata different is that while being a key international player in the seed business, the company has retained a family spirit. This means 3 things:

• it’s a people-oriented company where it is easy to communicate at all levels
• you will work closely with your colleagues and customers and will never be far from the fields
• as a result of its Japanese origins, you'll be working for a stable company with an emphasis on long-term culture.

What are the next steps?

1. Send us your application (Resume and Cover letter) to monique.harris@sakata.eu until 24 August 2026
2. First contact with Monique (HR Manager).
3. Interview with Monique and Ian Blokpoel, Breading Group Leader: Tomato