Director of Variety Development, EMEA – UK

About the role

Driscoll’s is developing a strong position in the European berry market from their EMEA headquarters in Breda. Our family-owned company operates for over 100 years and we are totally dedicated to berries. Over the years, Driscoll’s, which started out in California, has grown to be represented on each continent. As our dynamic European organization is growing rapidly, we are looking for an ambitious Sr. Breeding Manager, EMEA. The Senior Breeding Manager, EMEA is responsible for the development and execution of the EMEA Breeding strategy in alignment with Global Breeding initiatives and strategies. About the company Driscoll’s is the world’s biggest specialist in breeding, production, sales and marketing of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Driscoll’s is the market leader in the USA and manages the complete chain from production to final delivery to customers who are particularly located in the retail and foodservice channels. The breeding of berries takes place in the Benelux, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Egypt, UK, USA, Mexico, and Chile.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development of the Plant Breeding Strategy. Aligning to the business requirements and global breeding strategy.
• Provide direct and functional leadership to breeding managers, Test Plot Managers, and Laboratory Manager.
• Direct the translation of business objectives into a departmental breeding plan and budget. Deploy resources to achieve objectives.
• Direct the development of personal and project goals across the department, to guide projects effectively and monitor progress to achieve desired outcomes.
• Interface smoothly and effectively with other business functions (Commerce, Production, Agronomy etc).
• Optimize breeding processes, exploit and strengthen our genetics base.
• Maintain, build and leverage internal and external networks to support timely delivery of business goals.
• Responsible for achieving annual P&L targets.
• Participate in appropriate events and provides company/industry/ Genetic insight to the company.
• As the breeding expert you participate in appropriate events to provide Breeding insights to the company.
• Leads the process of commercialization of new genetics within EMEA.
• Supervise and empower the team that allows them to achieve their short and long term objectives.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Plant Science or related field and an extensive working experience (minimum 8 years) in a similar position.
• Management and International (multicultural) experience is a must for this position.
• Your English language skills are excellent in both verbal and writing.
• Spanish or French are a distinct advantage in this position.
• You are a detail oriented, accurate and reliable team player who is organized, analytical and able to multitask.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Excel and solid communication skills.
• For this position traveling is required, approx. 50% of your time.

This position is based in our UK offices in Kent.

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.

To apply:

If you are interested in this position and meet the requirements, please apply online via our website to Job #1950, and send cover letter and resume/CV to Cassandra.carvajal@driscolls.com with ‘Director of Variety Development, EMEA-UK’ in the subject line.