TITLE: Nursery Director - Mexico
DEPARTMENT: Nursery, Central Mexico
REPORTS TO: VP of Operations, Central Mexico
LOCATION: Jalisco & Michoacan
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, year-round
PAY STATUS: Exempt (Administrative Payroll)
DATE: September 9, 2009
JOB SUMMARY:
The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, direction and management of Driscoll’s strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry nurseries in Mexico. In close coordination and partnership with the US Nursery Department, this position will be responsible for managing the resources within the Mexico Nursery Department in order to deliver sufficient high quality plants to meet Driscoll’s Strategic Plan goals. This position will report directly to the VP of Operations, Central Mexico and have an indirect reporting relationship to the US Nursery Director.


JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Position requires leadership, attention to detail, ability to strategically navigate a complex international business environment, critical thinking, problem solving, excellent verbal and written communication skills (Spanish & English), and creativity. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursery Management, Business Agriculture, Agronomy, Biology or related field. Must have three years managerial/supervisory experience in agricultural management as well as five years of directly related commercial nursery experience, preferably in berry plant propagation. Solid understanding of and previous experience with plant propagation, greenhouse and field production methods is required. Must have the ability to plan, execute and follow up on diverse simultaneous projects. Must also have the ability to negotiate decisions and rectify plans or activities based on the management of risk/uncertainty. Solid understanding of commercial business software packages is required. This position requires frequent travel between Jalisco and Michoacan as well as various other locations, including the United States. Valid driver’s license and passport are also required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Strategic Plan: Provide leadership necessary to deliver on goals and objectives aligned with company’s strategies. Lead efforts to identify/develop new methods to lower cost, increase service, and increase quality of the final nursery product.
• Budgeting and Finance: Provides oversight of expense and capital budgets and monitors operating costs. Oversees sound audit controls and action plans to address cost variances.


• Process Management: Participates in the development and support of internal systems and business processes. Matches new technologies with desired processes, standardizes procedures and develops systems to optimize resources. Works with responsible persons to identify areas of improvement, troubleshoot solutions, delegate responsibility and monitor results of implementation.
• Planning: Responsible for Mexico strategic long range nursery planning and coordinating plan to all nursery crops. Provides oversight of short term planning.
• Leadership: Provide the leadership necessary to strengthen employee relationships, drive employee empowerment, instill company values, and develop all employees within the Nursery Department.
• Communication: Ensures effective collaboration and communication within the Nursery as well as all internal departments for greater efficiencies and attainment of Driscoll’s strategic plan.
• Grower Relationships: In conjunction with Regional General Manager, develops and maintains grower relationships. Oversees Nursery grower representation.
• 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.
• Other: Perform other duties as instructed by the VP of Operations, Central Mexico.