Production Manager

About the Opportunity

PMP is responsible of the production in the region of Agadir according to the DEMEA strategy, creating the conditions to have a strong, stable, profitable, balanced and committed grower network, and a sound and consistent EBM model, securing the long-term growth of the business.

Responsibilities

PM is responsible of the production in the region according to the DEMEA strategy, creating the conditions to have a strong, stable, profitable, balanced and committed grower network, and a sound and consistent EBM model, securing the long-term growth of the business.

Candidate Profile

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Closely daily work with Agronomy, QA field and grower services teams in the region, setting organizational priorities and proper allocation of resources, as well as deliverables for all teams (hectares, yield / ha, total production, grower P&L, quality ratings and thresholds, treatments, preventive measures, etc.).
• Manage the grower base in the region, securing proper, timely, reliable and effective communication processes. Anticipate any constrains or change in the production plans (resources, weather, plant material, forecast, cultural factors, etc.) being responsible to feed DEMEA short term flow, making sure all information is properly received, with corrective measures planned and executed, as needed. Contribute to the implementation and execution of the region strategy and functional plan.
• Based on extreme focus and proper and consistent processes, monitor and secure proper grower financial performance and profitability. Support and monitor the establishment of sound grower cost analysis and models, providing proper incentives as needed to secure competitive costs / kg, return on non-harvest, harvest costs and overall profitability targets (EBM, OI, IRR, etc.).
• Responsible for the implementation and execution of the Production Plan for the next five years in the region, guaranteeing the necessary number of hectares and volume / year and quality of fruit, as defined by S&D needs.
• Lead by operations manager, is responsible for the development of a stable, consistent, properly diverse and committed grower base in the region, ensuring full alignment to our Mission and Vision, securing full compliance on food safety and SEI policies and standards. Secure that best practices are implemented and properly executed. PMP pro-actively makes proposals to improve grower profitability by reducing complexity and achieving greater efficiency.
• Will develop sound, detailed, efficient and practical growth and development plans for each grower to be reviewed and updated twice per year.
• Secure proper Grower Board participation and interactions on a quarterly basis, and commercial weekly meetings, making growers part of key decision-making processes, strategic developments and implementations.
• Ensure proper and efficient introduction and incorporation of new genetics and new production systems in the region, as to optimize the genetic potential of our varieties. Will coordinate and work closely with PBM’s, PL, AR and R&D and actively participate in LVS, DVS and LCT, and other regional and global forums, in order to have the region execute and deliver on the DEMEA Strategic Plan. Based on number of new varieties and time frame to commercial incorporation, secure close follow up of our genetic pipeline to identify and expand our variety profile.
• In close coordination with the Fruit Quality Coordinator of the region, and when needed with QA Compliance for the region, identify key risk factors affecting fruit quality from field, through the harvest process and into the coolers. In coordination with DEMEA’s QA Director, secure that adequate processes are identified and implemented in a consistent and thorough manner, assisting in the implementation of changes to QA Standards as required by the Fruit Quality Coordinator of the region. In close coordination with DEMEA’s Postharvest specialist, train growers on postharvest aspects and management, that impact fruit behavior from field to fork. Detect in a timely and proactive manner key resource risks and restrictions, with particular focus on, but not limited to, water and labor.
• Based on the needs of the Strategic Plan, and on a thorough analysis of risk factors that can impact the viability of the production regions, work in very close coordination with all functional areas to identify new production regions, with proper and clear structural long-term characteristics (environmental conditions, surface area that allows for proper economic scale, labor availability, etc.).
• Responsible, in coordination with grower services for plant planning and deliveries in the region, in close connection with Plant Supply.
• Following and supporting Forecast processes and directives, have daily interaction with the Forecast Team in order to validate projected volumes, production curves and propose and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Closely monitor the competitive landscape, detecting potential growers that could be incorporated to our system, activities and practices that could have an impact on the business.
• Supporting Operations Manager, contribute to the development of a proper regional industry and government network, representing Driscoll`s in the region, interacting with the authorities, participating as required in national / international forums and associations, understanding industry challenges, and actively contributing to the mid and long-term sustainability of the business.
• As required by OM, support the team locally, and contribute to build a solid structure also. Provide proper support to the annual budget process as required.
• Any other tasks assigned by management, which are considered to be within the scope of the post holder.