About the Opportunity

The Blackberry and Blueberry Production Manager is responsible for directing and coordinating district resources to execute on the strategic plan initiatives for the Oxnard District. This position will work closely with the district Growers, Production Management, Quality Assurance, Distribution, Water Resources, Applied Research and Global teams to deliver the plan and provide the leadership necessary to execute projects in coordination with Production Management, Water Resources and Applied Research staff and strengthen employee and Grower relationships. This position will also work directly with growers and the Driscoll’s team to enhance berry production systems in the Oxnard District, provide tactical focus on Grower communication and innovation, new variety introduction, product quality, and research extension. The Blackberry and Blueberry Production Manager must instill and exemplify company values and assist the District Manager in developing all employees within their functional areas of responsibility, and plan, organize, develop, and manage all Blackberry/Blueberry related Field and Grower communication activities within the District.

Responsibilities

•    Collaborate and support the development and execution of the Oxnard District components of the Blackberry/Blueberry strategic supply and business plans. Including recruitment, sourcing, and retention of Growers, understanding of deal drivers as well as the development and coordination of Grower communications in the district.
•    Manage the development and execution of all Oxnard District Blackberry/Blueberry grower contracts, renewals and mapping activities corresponding to those contracts.
•    Be the conduit and facilitator of internal and external support of Blackberry/Blueberry grower farming, advancement and/or development needs.
•    Lead the creation and execution of the annual Blackberry/Blueberry functional work group plan.
•    Designs and develops short and long-range projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the plan.
•    Support and manage development and necessary adjustment of near-term, 1-week and 3-week Oxnard District supply forecast in order to maximize accuracy and reliability.
•    Directly manage Blackberry/Blueberry Production Management team and assist the District Manager in building and managing team to handle the production and grower relations objectives for the District. 
•    Leads by example and places a high priority on representing Driscoll’s in a positive and unified manner. 
•    Ensures effective collaboration and communication with our Growers, Regional team, Production Group, Breeding, 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. 
•    Facilitate and support the commercialization of novel Driscoll’s Blackberry/Blueberry varieties as co-lead of the Local Commercialization Team (LCT) in conjunction with Breeding and Applied Research.
•    Develops strong community connections.
•    Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.

Candidate Profile

•    Bachelor’s degree preferred in Agriculture, Business or related field required. 
•    Two or more years of experience in agriculture production management, or equivalent experience.
•    Three to five years of progressively responsible management experience. 
•    Specific experience in Blackberry/Blueberry production or advanced greenhouse/protected production systems desired.
•    Technical crop management knowledge and experience required.
•    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.
•    Travel will be required (up to 20% domestic and international).
•    California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required. 
•    A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required. 
•    Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency required. 
 

Compensation and Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors. 

Salary Range estimated for the Blackberry and Blueberry Production Manager: $70,953.00/year to $114,633.00/year.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that varies between our locations. Benefits may include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week (US). Other benefits may include:  401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  More detailed information regarding the benefits package based on your geographic location, will be shared during the application process.

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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.