Variety Development Manager

About the vacancy

The Variety Development Manager for Northern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is an integral part of Driscoll’s Global Breeding Team in EMEA and required to work cross-functionally with regional Trials Plot Managers, Applied Researchers, Product Leaders, Nursery Managers and District Operations Personnel and drive the identification, promotion, optimization, and commercialization of new improved raspberry, blackberry and blueberry cultivars. The position requires superb verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to link cross-functional teams throughout the organization. The position also requires broad industry knowledge including awareness and understanding of competitors, potential of global genetic pipeline, cultural systems and solid understanding of grower economic drivers and farming economics. Moderately high level of international travel (20%) is compulsory to carry out duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Form strategic alliance with test plot managers to develop novel berry cultivars that are adapted to the Northern EMEA growing regions, superior for target traits, stable in performance and meet with customer, consumer, and grower requirements
• Understand the key elements of the Driscoll’s EMEA business plan and design variety development trial network that supports business objectives
• Understand the key elements of each global berry breeding plan and support global breeding trial efforts and decisions
• Responsible for the experimental design of trials
• Build internal awareness of the genetic pipeline and generate excitement of the variety development pipeline
• Communicate Research & Development activities and breeding pipeline status throughout the business unit
• Create visibility and excitement of genetics at the district level and grower community
• Provide guidance for test plot and postharvest staff for daily activities and priorities
• Review berry protocols with test plot managers annually and ensure trialing strategy is implemented in alignment with business objectives
• Create weekly test plot reports and distribute it to stakeholders
• Conduct independent evaluations of selections and varieties for horticultural characteristics, encompassing field ratings, yield, shelf life, and flavor in all four berries
• Collect, analyze, and report results to various audiences (peers, growers, retailers)
• Conduct (virtual) field tours
• Lead the Local Commercialization Teams for all berries (together with breeding nursery, product leadership, district applied research, agronomy and production personnel facilitate successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties)
• Work collaboratively with Global Breeding Directors to develop commercialization thresholds that meet business unit’s requirements
• Manage plant orders and plant logistics related to breeding trials
• Develop and publish production guides and advanced genetic slides as required
• Participate in regular Global Breeding Team Meetings, provide updates on variety performance within Driscoll’s EMEA region
• Regularly visit other geographies, including but not limited to U.S. and Mexico and participate in evaluation of research trials
• Promote global knowledge transfer of varieties
• Improve competitiveness of varieties by pursuing methods for faster and more efficient genetic deployment
• Ensure alignment of Breeding, Breeding Nursery, Clean Stock and secure plant material for trials 2-3 years ahead
• Participate and contribute with relevant information to the bi-annual meeting with Product Leadership and develop blackberry crop strategies that align with the berry strategy of the BU and R&D
• Update blackberry status list ensure that Global Status list is reflecting local information correctly
• Work directly with our strategic partners (Reiter Affiliated Companies, Driscoll’s EMEA Nursery), to keep them up to date regarding trial status, variety performances and provide regular updates on variety development.

Other responsibilities:

• Exhibit Driscoll’s values of passion, humility, and trustworthiness in all interactions
• Works well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic accountability to the team and leading by examples. Utilize team building and communication skills to create strong department and company alignment
• Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers
• Ensure the safekeeping of Driscoll’s confidential and propriety information and materials
• Perform other duties as needed*

Candidate profile

• Must demonstrate a high level of organizational and reporting skills with great attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Must display initiative, have the ability to set and meet deadlines and create alignments between stakeholders
• Demonstrate the ability to link cross functional teams throughout the organization
• Possess technical writing abilities to develop and document standard operating procedures (SOP) and best management practices (BMP), hold seminars and give presentations for a wide variety of audiences (peers, growers, business stakeholders, retailers)

We offer

We offer you a chance to build a young fast growing brand and be part of a `energetic young’ and winning team that opens doors to a very broad experience with limitless international opportunities for talents. In order to complete your goals, you can count on the support of a professional and global company, that finds itself in a structurally growing movement.

Visit our website(s) for further information: www.driscolls.eu and www.driscolls.com

About Driscoll’s

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 ™.