Variety Development Manager

About the Opportunity The Variety Development Manager for Morocco is an integral part of Driscoll's Global Breeding Team in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and works cross-functionally with regional Research Farm Managers, Applied Researchers, Product Leaders, Nursery Managers and District Operations personnel and drive the identification, promotion, optimization, and commercialization of new improved strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry cultivars.
Additionally, this position will serve as the primary representative for Driscoll's blackberry variety development activities throughout EMEA. Variety development activities will improve upon the Morocco's commercial portfolio of proprietary varieties through a focus on specific characteristics, such as yield, fruit size, shape, flavor, and shelf life. These efforts will require proficiency in the principles of plant breeding and a substantial knowledge of plant physiology and agronomy.

The successful candidate will operate under the direction of the Variety Development Lead, EMEA with close consultation from the Global Blackberry Breeding Director and North American breeding programs to ensure a strong pipeline of breeding selections is evaluated under the right trial conditions for successful advancement towards commercial applications in EMEA. Additionally, the Variety Development Manager- Blackberry, Morocco is a member of the EMEA Variety Development Team who span several production regions across EMEA and work together to coordinate breeding nursery orders, test plot trials, and deployment efforts for each of their primary crops. The position requires superb verbal and written communication skills and a 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 the global genetic pipeline, cultural systems and solid understanding of grower economic drivers and farming economics.

A moderately high level of travel (20%) is compulsory to carry out duties as required.

***Please upload a resume/CV in English for consideration for this role*** Responsibilities

•    Form strategic alliance with test plot managers to develop novel berry cultivars that are adapted to Morocco's growing regions, superior for target traits, stable in performance, and meet customer, consumer, and grower requirements

•    Work closely with the Variety Development Lead, EMEA Product Leaders, and
business partners to understand key elements of the EMEA business strategy

•    Assess breeding selections against strategic trait thresholds, and develop a close relationship with the Blackberry Product Leader to ensure advancement of selections that meet or exceed the EMEA business needs

•    Under the mentorship of the Variety Development Lead, maintain close working relationships with the other Variety Development Managers in EMEA. With this team, build an intimate knowledge of blackberry variety development and deployment efforts throughout EMEA, aligning and influencing trials and decisions to generate commercial successes

•    Work closely with the Variety Development Lead and Global Deployment Manager to build awareness of the breeding pipeline to the Local Berry Team and broader EMEA business. Communicate programmatic activities and updates throughout the business via webinars, field tours, and weekly test plot reports

•    Create visibility and excitement around promising new breeding selections at the district level and within the grower community. Build strong collaborative relationships with aligned growers

•    Manage a small team of full-time and seasonal research staff to collect data and oversee breeding trial implementation across all Moroccan test plots

•    Adhere to the Moroccan variety development budget, including regular justification of routine operational spending

•    Implement breeding-related research activities as directed by the Global Breeding Director that improve the process of selection. Work closely with Global Breeding to develop plans, processes, and protocols that address the needs of the selection program

•    Provide feedback to Global Breeding on program direction, target environment, production systems, program strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Recommend adjustments to improve program performance and alignment in EMEA

•    Coordinate research and breeding activities with associated departments to achieve program goals and objectives: nursery, operations, agronomy, applied research, plant pathology, molecular genetics, entomology

•    Oversee plant orders related to Moroccan variety development. Manage the EMEA blackberry breeding nursery flow chart to secure plant material 2-3 years in advance

•    Responsible for trial design and coordination within test plot farming logistics/budget

•    Provide guidance for test plot and postharvest staff for daily activities and priorities

•    Review standard operating protocols with test plot manager, annually. Ensure farming and data collection are implemented adequately in alignment with trial objectives

•    Conduct independent evaluations of breeding selections and varieties for horticultural characteristics, encompassing field ratings, yield, shelf life, and flavor in all berries

•    Develop an intimate awareness of each selection relative to commercialization thresholds to make appropriate decisions

•    Coordinate with Driscoll's Sensory and Marketing groups to assess consumer perception and market potential of new varieties, as directed

•    Develop and publish production guides and advanced genetics summaries

•    Make recommendations of selections to Applied Research Discovery trials and On Farm Trials to the Local Berry Team. Participate in this team to provide input on performance, decisions, and recommendations to the team

•    Assist where required with the collection of data for Intellectual Property Rights

•    Prepare end-of-season summary reports and contribute to Global Breeding Webinars

•    Participate in regular Global Breeding team meetings, providing updates on variety performance and other significant updates from the EMEA region

•    Promote and participate in the global knowledge transfer around Driscoll's varieties

•    Maintain a consistent presence in Moroccan test plots

•    Regularly visit other geographies, including the U.K., Portugal, Spain, the U.S., China, Mexico, and Australia

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 example. 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

•    Degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Biology, Agronomy or related field, master's degree preferred

•    A minimum of 5+ years of experience working in the berry/horticultural industry

•    Demonstrated experience in soft fruit production and farming practices is an added advantage

•    Highly effective verbal and written communication skills

•    English language proficiency required

•    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)

•    Must be able to maintain a valid Driver's License with the ability to be insured under company-sponsored liability

•    Must have valid passport and the ability to travel internationally
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