Grower Relationship Coordinator, Seasonal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE

Responsible for the coordination and control of all aspects related to farming operations in support of the divisional objectives at the job location. Responsible for overall operations of Farming and Harvesting for the California Strawberry Supply.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Provide leadership and operational management as needed to meet established cost and production goals.
• Assist Director of Sourcing in the development of annual operating strategies and goals.
• Responsible for business planning and review of operational cost variances with corrective actions/solutions.
• Participate in operational decisions regarding plant variety mix, production planning, planting dates, cultural practices, and other strategic operational decisions pertinent to the business.
• Provide ongoing operational status reporting (production results quality measurements, issues and resolutions, etc.) Prepare and deliver summary results.
• Perform regular reviews of cost and yield with DDNA Directors and DDNA Product Mgr.
• Ensure the management of business relations are in compliance with the DDNA operating procedures and protocols.
• Responsible for administering Leases and managing sub-leases in Watsonville & Santa Maria.
• Analyze Operational Excellence and implement business opportunities where appropriate.
• Provide weekly grower volume forecasts to sourcing and sales teams.
• Assist in resource development for ranches and other areas that support operating and expansion of farming operations.

Required Skills

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• 2-5 years in operational experience with agricultural companies.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with customers, growers, vendors.
• Ability to make effective presentations to management, customers, growers, and public groups.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and able to interact with all levels among the organization.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; must be flexible, even-tempered, a good mediator, and persuasive when needed.
• Strong organizational, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Knowledge and proficiency with use of computer programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Safety and Food Safety requirements
• Strong organizational, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

Required Experience

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Internal: Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Science, Demand Planning Department

• External: outside growers and Pest Control Advisors.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture preferred, or equivalent related experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel to ranches and company offices
• Ability to walk on uneven ground in remote field locations and work in various weather conditions
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Ability to climb on and off farming equipment

WORK HOUR REQUIREMENT

• Ability to work overtime including weekends and holidays when necessary.

TRAVEL

• Ability to travel up to 100%

SALARY

• $19.00-$20.00 per hour