Raspberry & Blackberry (RUBUS) Forecast Specialist

About the Opportunity

The RUBUS Forecasting Specialist is responsible for the forecast accuracy of the district's raspberry and blackberry (Rubus) production. They are responsible for the short-term and long-term production forecast for each berry type. They will partner with key stakeholders and departments (production, agronomy, growers, sales, planning, etc.) to allow for transparency and decision making around projected production volumes. This role is critical in providing the correct information to execute on our seasonal supply of fresh berries to customers and consumers.

Responsibilities

Forecasting:

• Leads and consolidates the current year forecast, ranging from daily estimates to end of year projections, as part of the Driscoll's of the Americas (DOTA) supply forecast process. The forecast will be aggregated via the use of multiple agronomic and data management tools including but not limited to: Excel-based models, SQL servers, Tableau reports, growing degree days, ranch sampling, phenological tagging, and stage counts, historical data, and deep understanding of various plant management and growing practices. Supports accuracy improvement. Collaborates with the supply manager for long-range adjustments to the budgeted volumes and scenario modeling.

Supply Planning:

• Collaborates with supply manager and production manager to develop the annual district supply plan. Works with supply manager and production manager to identify appropriate plant management practices for district supply requests. Communicate adjustments to supply plan to appropriate channels (sales/marketing, growers, product business management, supply managers, etc.).

Plan Enforcement and Modification:

• Reviews and communicates proposed regional plan variances. Works with production specialist on validating that the model accurately represents application execution at grower level.

Modeling:

• Responsible for developing, updating and maintaining the production curves for each application used in our strategic modeling tools through continuous field visits, grower communication and production team collaboration.

Grower Relations:

• Partners with growers on a weekly basis to discuss plant development, pest and microclimate impact, field observations, expected ranch performance, gather historical data, learn best practices, and collaborate on generating an accurate volume forecast.

Reporting:

• Prepare and communicate information to growers and internal stake holders.
• Lead and present information to growers and key internal stake holders with regards to production forecast and curves in the form of presentations or meetings.
• Participate and contribute with the LCT (Local Commercialization Team) in the advancement of genetic deployment.

Other:

• Lends expertise to real-time operational crisis discussions and decisions as needed.
• Nurtures, supports, and promotes the company mission to continually delight berry consumers through alignment with our customers and our berry growers and exhibits the company 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.

Candidate Profile

Exceptional relationship management skills required, including the ability to interact with all levels within the organization

Ability to collaborate and coordinate with multiple stakeholders throughout the company toward a common purpose is a must

Strong communication and listening skills required

Excellent critical thinker

Strong analytical and data management skills

Ability and willingness to travel when required (Most travel within California)

Must maintain valid CA driver's license and eligibility for Company vehicle insurance policy

Moderate walking and bending during field evaluation processes and ability to lift 50 lbs. is to be expected

Flexibility with work schedules to accommodate travel, forecasting and field visits is expected

Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills required

Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, Business, Data Analysis or other relevant degree preferred

5+ years of continuous dedicated year-round full-cycle raspberry or blackberry agronomic support or production forecasting related work experience or 3+ years of experience with degree very desirable

Intermediate planning and modeling experience required

Field visits and interactions with growers is required. Raspberry/Blackberry production preferred. Must have crop production experience.

Expertise of raspberry or blackberry plant physiology, environmental impact on plant phenology, and the ability to use that knowledge for field to spreadsheet interpretation

Self-starter preferred

Innovative/curious thinker preferred

High proficiency with data systems and spreadsheet tools, MUST be highly proficient in Microsoft systems (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Tableau and database knowledge preferred

Compensation & 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 RUBUS Forecast Specialist: $70,000 to $79,000 USD.

Driscoll's is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits 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, will be shared during the application process.

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