Raspberry & Blackberry (RUBUS) Forecast Specialist

Job Requisition ID: R0008929 | Full-time, onsite role in Santa Maria, CA

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. This role partners with key stakeholders and departments (production, agronomy, growers, sales, planning, etc.) to enable transparency and decision-making around projected production volumes. The position 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 is aggregated using 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, stage counts, historical data, and a deep understanding of various plant management and growing practices. Supports accuracy improvement and collaborates with the supply manager for long-range adjustments to budgeted volumes and scenario modeling.
• Supply Planning: Collaborates with the supply manager and production manager to develop the annual district supply plan. Works with them to identify appropriate plant management practices for district supply requests and communicates adjustments to the 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 the production specialist to validate that the model accurately represents application execution at the grower level.
• Modeling: Develops, updates, and maintains production curves for each application used in 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: Prepares and communicates information to growers and internal stakeholders. Leads and presents information regarding production forecasts and curves in the form of presentations or meetings. Participates and contributes to the Local Commercialization Team (LCT) in the advancement of genetic deployment.
• 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 customers and growers, while exhibiting company values.
• Follows company policies and practices, representing Driscoll’s ethically in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, and customers.
• Ensures the confidentiality of all Driscoll’s proprietary information.

Requirements

• Exceptional relationship management skills, including the ability to interact with all levels within the organization.
• Strong collaboration and coordination skills with multiple stakeholders toward a common purpose.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with proficiency in data management.
• Ability and willingness to travel within California as required.
• Must maintain a valid CA driver’s license and eligibility for company vehicle insurance policy.
• Moderate walking and bending during field evaluation processes; ability to lift 50 lbs. expected.
• Flexibility with work schedules to accommodate travel, forecasting, and field visits.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills required.
• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, Business, Data Analysis, or other relevant field preferred.
• 5+ years of continuous dedicated year-round full-cycle raspberry or blackberry agronomic support or production forecasting-related work experience, or 3+ years with a relevant degree.
• Intermediate planning and modeling experience required.
• Field visits and interactions with growers required; raspberry/blackberry production experience preferred.
• Expertise in raspberry or blackberry plant physiology, environmental impact on plant phenology, and the ability to interpret field data for spreadsheet analysis.
• Self-starter with an innovative and curious mindset preferred.
• High proficiency with data systems and spreadsheet tools; must be highly proficient in Microsoft systems (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Tableau and database knowledge preferred.

Pay

Salary range: $70,000 to $79,000 USD.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Profit-sharing participation.
• Paid sick time, vacation, and personal/family care leave.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).