TITLE: Rubus Production/Extension Manager - Northern District
LOCATION: Watsonville, California
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, year-round

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for coordinating Company resources to deliver on the strategic plan initiatives for Raspberries and Blackberries for the Northern production district (Watsonville and Salinas). This position will work closely with the National Production Management/Grower Business Group, Commodity Business Managers, Nursery and Research Group to deliver the plan. Provide the leadership necessary to lead and develop a staff and strengthen employee and Grower relationships. Tactical focus on Grower communication and profitability, new variety introduction, product quality, and new business development. The Production Manager must instill and exemplify company values, and develop all employees within their functional areas of responsibility. Plan, organize, develop, and manage all production and Grower communication activities within the District. Demonstrate an ability to transfer vision into realities.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business or related field preferred
• Five years experience in production management
• Five years of progressively responsible management experience
• Strong business knowledge of perishable commodities, production, and grower relations
• Team player with the ability to work in an environment in which processes and systems are being developed.
• Proven leadership ability to influence, develop, and empower employees to achieve their personal potential in addition to corporate objectives.
• Excellent skills in communication, motivation, innovation, adaptability and interpersonal relationships
• Bi-lingual in Spanish/English is required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Planning and Budgeting: Participates in the planning and creation of the Company 5 year Strategic Production Plan for the Watsonville/Salinas production areas. Designs and develops short and long-range projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the five-year plan; this will include recruitment, sourcing, and retention of Growers as well as the development and coordination of Grower communication in district. Oversight and preparation of operating & capital budgets. Monitors operating and growing costs and district profitability. Manages forecasts, product flow and pack out requirements.
Supervision: Build, develop and supervise a team to handle the production and grower relations objectives for the District under supervision. Leads by example and places a high priority on representing Driscoll’s in a positive and unified manner.
Communication: Ensures effective collaboration and communication with our Grower base, Production Group, Research, Sales and Marketing, Supply and Operations, and Services groups, and all internal departments for greater efficiencies and attainment of Driscoll’s strategic plan for the district. Develops strong community connections.
Professionalism: Nurtures, supports, and promotes the Company Mission, Vision and Values. Follows Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, customers, etc. Ensures the confidentiality of all of Driscoll’s proprietary information. Performs other duties as instructed by supervisor.