About the Opportunity

As the Applied Research Manager you will provide scientific based and business oriented leadership to the teams with the goal of developing research solutions, novel production and nursery innovations by leveraging cultivar genetics, physiology and knowledge of key supply gaps for Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Blueberries. The position will interact abundantly with Operations, Production, Plant Breeding, Nursery, product Development and Market teams, leading the Applied Research function in a highly cross-functional culture in support of Driscoll’s growers, customers and consumers.

Responsibilities

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the Applied Sustainability Program for DEMEA for on-farm practices that support and result into Driscoll’s long term sustainability goals, including Net Zero Neutrality targets.
• Liaises with Applied Research, Agronomy, Product Leadership, Operations and Production, and SEI within DEMEA and Global R&D, for the prioritization of relevant trials, programs and grower adopted practices that solve for the most critical sustainability priorities for each region, and for the European, Middle East and Northern Africa Business Unit, overall.
• Identifies the relevant sustainability practices that exist within the grower base as well as the ones practiced outside the organization and that can impactfully advance Driscoll’s Tier 1, 2 and 3 goals on water, fertilizer and pesticide use efficiency, as well as greenhouse gas emission neutrality on-farm.
• Assists and leads as necessary practices that, in addition to our sustainability goals, help improve efficiency in the use of resources, including labour overall farm infrastructure and investments, fully supporting our “more berries with less resources” Global Strategy.
• Drives the on-farm sustainability program for grower events and learnings, in liaison with other regionally based functions.

• Ensures that new information and new impactful practices are known and evaluated across the DEMEA organization.
• 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 safekeeping of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.
• Perform other duties as instructed by supervisor.

Candidate Profile

JOB QUALIFICFATIONS:

• A MSc or PhD in Environmental Science, Sustainability or equivalent with a minimum 8 years of relevant experience, and a background of leading scientific, research or agronomic programs. A robust work experience in private agricultural enterprises leading technical and grower-facing programs.
• Research and analytical skills to analyses problems in a multi-faceted way and to develop and participate in implementing fruit supply solutions with increased resource use efficiency and crop resiliency practices.
• Capable of identifying key technologies and solutions that can represent step change for the current standard on-farm systems to produce strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as JMP (preferred), SPSS, R, SAS or equivalent.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and work in multi-cultural environments.
• Ability to develop talent and leadership paths within the teams they work with.
• Proficient internet and Microsoft Office computer experience.
• Fluency in English is mandatory and proficiency in Spanish is preferred.
• Capable of leading the communication of our applied sustainability strategy to various and diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to do multiple tasks and solve problems with a sense of urgency without direct supervision.
• Needs to be dependable, reliable, self-starter, and able to work independently.
• Travel to relevant production and nursery operation regions as needed.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required.

OTHER JOB Requirements: 

Experience

• Eg. Min. 5 years’ experience in the Food / FMCG industry.
• Eg. Min. 5 years’ experience in people management.
• Preferable working in an international dynamic environment.

Driscoll’s Leadership Competencies and Skills

• Driscoll’s leadership competencies
  • Strategic Mindset                                                                 
  • Cultivates innovation
  • Plans & Aligns
  • Drives results
  • Collaborates
  • Drives engagement
  • Develops talent
  • Courage
• Other relevant competencies
  • Empirical research acumen
  • Being resilient
  • Business acumen

OTHERS:

• Travel requirements (Eg. 30% of the time)
• European driver’s license
• Occasional weekend and evening shifts are part of the position

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.