Breeding Program Manager

Role Overview

Shape the future of aquaculture through genetics.

At Xelect, we're helping some of the world's leading aquaculture businesses unlock the full potential of their breeding programs.

As a Breeding Program Manager, you'll combine cutting-edge genetics, data-driven decision making, and trusted customer partnerships to deliver measurable genetic improvement and commercial success across finfish and shellfish species.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of selective breeding, influencing global aquaculture production while collaborating with industry experts, scientists, and customers around the world. If you're passionate about genetics, innovation, and making a tangible impact on sustainable food production, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is a hybrid role based in St Andrews Scotland with regular travel to customers and as such relocation may be required for this role

You will report to Head of Breeding Programs.

You Will

• You will lead the genetics programs for our customers working directly with customers to design, implement and develop their broodstock program.

• You will promote the Xelect value proposition, identify new commercial opportunities, driving business growth, revenue and delivering the profitability in the assigned accounts and breeding programs, developing trusted advisor relationships. Align with the strategic direction and route to market of Xelect.

• Supports the Head of Breeding in the development of the strategic initiatives to deliver revenue targets and customer goals.
• Develop selective breeding programs for new and established species, using the latest technologies.

• Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices .
• Design, co-ordinate and implement new genetics programs that deliver significant commercial returns for our customers' businesses. Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions .
• Develop strong relationships and to obtain understanding of customer’s production conditions and commercial goals.

• Manage the day-to-day running of our programs, co-ordinating the necessary resources and acting as a member of our customers' teams and provide consultancy and support at key times in their breeding program.

• Handle large datasets and work with our in-house customer databases. Perform and deliver the necessary phenotyping and selective breeding analyses using our in-house selection and simulation software.

• Communicates the value proposition to key industry contacts.
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations 
• Works with key customers to influence, develop and implement improved ways of realising the full genetic improvement.

• Will use specialized knowledge to projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and complexity .

• Develops strong relationships with teams of biologists, geneticists, laboratory staff and bioinformaticians to lead the genetic program and ensure that projects are delivered budget and genetic tools are optimized.
• Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt a different point of view.

Requirements

• A minimum of a MSc relating to aquaculture, quantitative genetics, finfish/shellfish reproduction or animal breeding. A PhD relating to aquaculture, fish reproduction or animal breeding is desirable.

• Knowledge and experience of hatchery and broodstock management, including aquaculture operations more widely for finfish and / or shellfish species.
• A practical understanding of the application of genetics within selective breeding.
• Excellent data management and computer literacy skills
• Strong negotiation, communication and influencing skills.

• Innovative, highly self-motivated and collaborative with the ability to respond to changing demands are key requirements for success in this role.
• Proficiency with programming platforms such R or Linux is desirable.

• International travel to and experiencing new cultures is a key part of this role.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential; multilingual would be desirable.

Business Overview

Xelect, part of the Genus PLC group is one of the largest aquaculture genetics companies, providing broodstock management and genetic improvement programmes for some of the best known producers globally. We support around 30 breeding programmes, in 12 different countries for 13 different species, including finfish, shrimp and bivalves.

We provide our customers with a full range of genetic services and technologies, ranging from strategic consultancy for government agencies to full genomic selection programmes for some of the biggest producers in the industry.

Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange.  Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.  We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future. 

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to sustainably nourish the world.

Genus Values

• Collaborate as One Team
• Create Value for Customers
• Innovate with Purpose
• Never stop improving

DEI

Genus is a place where you can be yourself and be part of a growing global team. We have a culture of respect, openness and fairness for all. Whatever your background, your role or your area of work, you will have the chance to thrive in an environment that inspires, challenges and supports you to succeed.

Tackling climate change: 

• Monitor and identify goals for the reduction of our GHG emissions from our own operations.
• Drive porcine and bovine genetic improvements which support productivity gains and improve feed efficiency, enabling a reduction in the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk or meat produced
• Identify facility and other opportunities for reductions in GHG emissions, consistent with our goals
• Partner and advocate for policies that advance positive climate goals and identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Benefits Overview

• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holidays + Bank Holidays 
• Health Cash back scheme 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee share plan 
• Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office. Remote working will be  considered for suitable applicants.
• Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate/practicable) 
• Enhanced maternity leave 12 weeks at full pay followed by 4 weeks at 50% followed by SMP
• Comprehensive L&D program including career development programs, access to Genus University and Mango (languages) 

Equal Employment Opportunities

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Recruitment Fraud Warning

Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].