TITLE: Manager, National Processing
DEPARTMENT: National Production
LOCATION: Watsonville, CA

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, year-round
PAY STATUS: Exempt (Administrative Payroll)

JOB SUMMARY:
Driscoll’s, on behalf of it grower community, is looking to formalize and centrally manage all its growers processed berries. The purpose of this activity is to optimize fresh fruit quality for Driscoll’s and return on investment for Driscoll’s growers. This position will be the primary interface between fruit processing operations and Driscoll’s regional management/growers. Areas of responsibility include strategic program development, vendor management, policy & procedure creation and implementation, metrics reporting, forecast development and program communications.

Key internal partners include Commodity Business Management, Regional Management, Research & Development, Production, Quality, Procurement and Distribution.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Establish, secure and maintain relationships with food processors on a national level
• Develop pro forma's and analysis around the financial impact of various process deals for our growers
• Assist with the negotiation and management of contractual arrangements related to production, supply, and quality between growers and processors
• Provide research and reports on business issues associated with processing ventures, such as varietal selection, harvest techniques, pricing trends, planting activity and competitor analysis.
• Establish best practices and procedures (including SOP’s) to ensure efficient, compliant and profitable program execution across all product lines and all national regions
• Create, review and manage the communication materials related to the creation and establishment of a National Processor program
• Establish best practices and procedures (including SOP’s) to ensure efficient, compliant and profitable program execution across all product lines and all national regions




JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Marketing, Food Marketing or Production Management or similar related field required; MBA or post-graduate degree desirable.

• Five or more years of significant and diversified program/project management in a manufacturing or distribution environment. We would prefer an individual with prior fruit or vegetable processing experience, but will consider individuals with strong manufacturing and/or supply chain experience.

• Financial skills that allow for sound evaluation of different profit scenarios.

• Must be highly proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of products, particularly Excel and PowerPoint applications and have the ability to prepare presentations, speeches and other materials for a variety of audiences, including executive.

• Solid working knowledge of quality assurance, food manufacturing, packaging, processing and distribution.

• Ability to develop and evaluate both short and long-range production forecasts.

• Ability to communicate effectively, including excellent written, oral, presentation and listening skills.

• Demonstrated project management experience in directing and working with cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in situations involving uncertainty or lack of information and respond with flexibility to changing situations.

• Effective problem-solving and planning skills with the ability to establish a big picture and follow through on operational details.

• Must possess the tenacity, tact and discretion necessary to pursue difficult and sensitive issues to an acceptable solution.

• Valid CA driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain company sponsored vehicle insurance is required

• Must have the ability to travel 25 % of the time.