Development Specialist Specialty Crops – Fruits & Grapes (temporary)
Spain and 2 more
About us
At Certis Belchim, we work every day to further develop and broaden the landscape of crop protection and Plant Health. Our ambition is to provide integrated programmes that combine biorational and chemical solutions, thereby supporting growers and supply ‐ chain partners in addressing the challenges of sustainable plant health and crop production, as well as the increasingly stringent requirements within the value chain.
Thanks to our Japanese shareholders and strategic suppliers, we have access to cutting ‐ edge technologies and innovative expertise in the field of Plant Health and crop protection. This unique combination of international innovation strength and local market knowledge enables us to develop distinctive, future ‐ proof solutions.
Our European headquarters are located in Londerzeel (Belgium) and Utrecht (The Netherlands). From more than 23 countries worldwide, over 800 dedicated colleagues work together towards a shared goal: contributing to healthy crops, sustainable agriculture and a resilient food supply chain.
Within Certis Belchim, there is an open and informal working atmosphere, with colleagues who are passionate about their profession and the impact they make within Plant Health. We offer a working environment in which professionals are given the space to take initiative, develop themselves and accelerate their careers. Through a pragmatic approach and strong collaboration, we jointly create a positive impact on our sector and beyond.
About your team
Our passionate and dynamic international Development team is dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable Plant Health solutions, with a strong focus on the European market. The team brings together around 18 experienced professionals with deep expertise across both biorational and conventional approaches, all driven by a shared ambition to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
Close collaboration takes place with R&D stations in France and Belgium, where laboratory and field‐based knowledge come together. Across Europe, connections extend to colleagues in Spain, France, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary and Poland, as well as to cross‐functional partners in marketing and regulatory affairs. This creates a working environment where ideas, insights and perspectives continuously move across borders, and where no two days feel the same.
Being part of this international network means working in a setting that is both collaborative and independently driven. Daily work often requires a high level of ownership and initiative, while knowing there is a strong and supportive team behind the scenes. With colleagues not always physically nearby, success comes from staying connected, being proactive and taking responsibility for moving things forward.
Together, the team translates scientific expertise into real‐world Plant Health solutions that respond to evolving market needs. The atmosphere is open, energetic and forward‐looking, with a constant drive to learn, improve and challenge existing ways of working.
This role is initially temporary (± 6 months) but offers more than a defined assignment. It is an opportunity to make a visible contribution and to shape how the role evolves. The impact made, ownership taken and potential demonstrated will play a key role in determining whether this opportunity can grow into something more long term.
About your job
In this role, you will take an active part in the implementation and follow‐up of perennial development trials in South Europe with a particular focus on fruits and grapes. You will not only support execution, but also contribute to analysis, decision‐making and continuous improvement of development activities.
You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, planning your own work, managing priorities and ensuring progress, while staying aligned with Development Managers and the wider team.
Your responsibilities will include
Supporting and coordinating the planning, implementation and follow‐up of perennial development trials focused on Plant Health solutions for specialty crops, including fruits and grapes (covering both conventional and biorational products).
Monitoring trial progress, performing quality checks and ensuring trials are executed in line with protocols and regulatory requirements.
Analysing trial data (e.g. in ARM), identifying trends, inconsistencies or risks, and translating these into clear insights and recommendations.
Preparing structured summaries and reports that support decision‐making within development programmes.
Acting as a key link between contractors, internal teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clear communication.
Proactively identifying issues, proposing solutions and contributing to improvements in trial processes, data quality and ways of working.
Supporting logistical and administrative activities related to trials (samples, documentation, coordination).
Sharing knowledge within the team and contributing to continuous improvement of development practices.
This role goes beyond execution: you will interpret data, influence decisions and improve processes, while steadily building ownership within development projects in the broader Plant Health domain, with a strong orientation towards fruit and grape production systems.
About you
You are someone with a solid foundation who is ready for the next step: more ownership, more autonomy and more impact. You enjoy working close to the field, but are equally motivated by understanding data, improving processes and contributing to better decisions within Plant Health and sustainable agriculture.
You are comfortable working independently and taking initiative, even when your team is not physically around you. You know how to stay connected, ask the right questions and keep things moving.
We are looking for someone with potential: you already have a some years of relevant experience, but you are still growing, curious and ambitious to develop further within the Plant Health domain.
You are likely to be successful in this role if you have
A bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or a related field, combined with hands‐on experience in crop protection and/or broader Plant Health solutions.
A good understanding of field trial principles and experimental practices.
Experience with or affinity for data analysis (e.g. ARM, Excel), including checking data quality and identifying trends.
Strong attention to detail and a structured way of working.
The ability to plan your own work, manage priorities and act independently.
Confidence to interpret results and make recommendations.
Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with contractors and international colleagues.
Fluency in Spanish and professional English.
Most importantly, you bring a mindset focused on ownership, curiosity and continuous improvement. You want to grow, and you are looking for an environment that will grow with you.
In return, we offer you a role where you can develop quickly, take real responsibility and make a visible impact, contributing to the future of sustainable Plant Health solutions in a solid, healthy and international organisation.
Working with us means
A hybrid way of working that combines flexibility with connection. Ideally, you live within commuting distance of our Alicante office, where you will spend around 60% of your time, with the remaining 40% working remotely.
If you are not based near one of our offices, staying connected remains essential. In that case, you will travel approximately 25% of your time to meet colleagues on site, ensuring strong collaboration while maintaining flexibility in how you organise your work week.
A role that combines office‐based work with regular visits to trial fields across Spain mainly, giving you the opportunity to stay closely connected to the crops, the trials and real‐life agricultural conditions.
Being part of a truly international environment, with colleagues across Europe. You will work globally while also having local hubs where you can meet, learn and stay connected.
A varied and autonomous role in which you take ownership of your work, while being supported by an experienced and collaborative network of colleagues.
A competitive salary in the range of €52,000 to €58,000 (depending on experience), complemented by a 12.5% performance‐related annual bonus that recognises your contribution from the start.
A culture built on our Certis Belchim values: Collaboration, Creativity, Passion, Integrity and Ambition, not just as words, but reflected in how we work and support each other every day.
A growth‐oriented environment where you are encouraged to develop your skills, take initiative and shape your own career path.
Access to a learning academy, combined with regular feedback and coaching to support your development.
A healthy work‐life balance, supported by flexible working hours and a culture that recognises that wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.
A people‐first organisation, where success is driven by teamwork, respect and genuine connection.
The opportunity to join a well‐established and respected industry player and contribute to a more sustainable future in Plant Health.
Inspired?
For more information about this role, please contact Rebecca van Emden, HR Business Partner at rebecca.vanemden@Certisbelchim.com. If you are interested, you can apply easily via our Job Portal Link to vacancy, and we look forward to receiving your short motivation and CV.
Filling in on freelance basis is not desired and acquisition is not appreciated.
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