Raspberry & Blackberry (RUBUS) Forecast Specialist

About the role

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

• 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.
• Supports accuracy improvement and collaborates with the supply manager for long-range adjustments to the budgeted volumes and scenario modeling.
• Collaborates with the supply manager and production manager to develop the annual district supply plan and identify appropriate plant management practices for district supply requests.
• Communicates adjustments to supply plan to appropriate channels (sales/marketing, growers, product business management, supply managers, etc.).
• Reviews and communicates proposed regional plan variances and works with production specialist on validating that the model accurately represents application execution at grower level.
• Develops, updates, and maintains the production curves for each application used in our strategic modeling tools through continuous field visits, grower communication, and production team collaboration.
• 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.
• Prepares and communicates information to growers and internal stakeholders, and leads and presents information to growers and key internal stakeholders with regards to production forecast and curves.
• Participates and contributes with the LCT (Local Commercialization Team) in the advancement of genetic deployment and lends expertise to real-time operational crisis discussions and decisions as needed.

Requirements

• Exceptional relationship management skills, 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.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Excellent critical thinker and 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 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 are required, with raspberry/blackberry production experience preferred.
• Must have crop production experience and expertise of raspberry or blackberry plant physiology, environmental impact on plant phenology, and the ability to use that knowledge for field to spreadsheet interpretation.
• High proficiency with data systems and spreadsheet tools, with expertise in Microsoft systems (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required, and Tableau and database knowledge preferred.

Benefits

Driscoll’s 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).

Pay

Salary Range estimated for the RUBUS Forecasting Specialist: $70,000 to $79,000 USD.