This position will evaluate and assist with the development of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry solutions and new varieties, according to Driscoll’s breeding program, selections and defined Strategy, while acting according to Driscoll’s mission, vision, values and code of business principles.

• Accountability on the design and development of processes that can ensure the sharing of knowledge and transfer of relevant technical information across the EMEA/Global Region;
• Accountability to develop the technical talent on Test Plot related positions.
• Accountability on establishing and managing relationships with the relevant Driscoll’s EMEA and Global structures as to optimize the technical knowledge and technology transfer with the Test Plot relevant fields.
• Responsible for ensuring and improving performance, productivity and efficiency within PT Test Plot, providing effective methods and strategies;
• Ability to work independently and on a team with minimal supervision and competing time demands;
• Provide support to the RD structures and Functional Leadership to the local teams, according to Driscoll´s Values and respecting our Mission, while leading to our Vision.
• Ability to plan, organize and execute project work;
• Interest in new technology within ability to demonstrate such ideas;
• Well organized and process oriented with ability to deliver structure and standard processes
• Ideally, some experience with talent development, mentorship and transition planning

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Growth well balanced plants and good plant uniformity: run proper nutrition, monitor and control all plant diseases and pests;
• Managing support and planting establishment of trial plots according to horticultural traits;
• Monitor harvests and ensure accuracy of trial plot data;
• Creation, validation and data analysis; summarize trial plot observations;
• Organizing and hosting field days for growers and colleagues;
• Management and liase with, harvest crew, breeders, agronomists, and horticulturist within the company as required;
• Create the believe in and execute the Driscoll´s Mission, Vision & Values;
• Post holder will be the major contributor for the design and development of technical knowledge sharing processes across the DEMEA;
• Responsible for managing his assigned budgets; this includes the planning of meetings and knowledge sharing platforms;
• Lead and develop the Test Plot technical talent in Portugal, working in close an strict collaboration with other regions;
• Monitor, manage and contribute decisively to improve the communications between his/her functional reports and support functions, in order to improve efficiency by facilitating coordination and communication;
• Ensure adequate and business relevant information flows between the several stakeholders and develop strategies to increase employee awareness and to promote productivity and accountability;
• Act in consonance with the roll out and execution of our Mission, acting in strict accordance with our Values, working towards our Company’s long term Vision;
• Willingness to look within the company and externally for new ideas and methods;
• Perform any other tasks deemed appropriate and necessary requested by Management which is considered to be within the scope of responsibility of the post holder.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Physiology or a related field and experience in agricultural or biological research. 3-5 years progressively responsible experience in research management.
• Must have comprehensive experience with the management of a research function, including research protocols; and possess some knowledge of resource usage, plant health and pest pressure assessment, knowledge of soils and agricultural practices; personnel management experience is required as well as the management of data from field plots using computers and the necessary computer applications including statistical analysis, spreadsheets, email, and internet.
• Should be detail and result-oriented, have effective verbal and written skills, good organizational, math and analytical ability.
• Must be a self-starter, have the ability to work independently and work well team members, field workers, and management, and be available to work extended hours when requested.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing a budget.
• Demonstrated competence managing and leading others.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook). Ability to work with key stakeholders and manage multiple projects across the Department.
• English and Spanish fluency required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required.

APPLICATIONS

Please send application and CV to vcosta@driscolls.eu