JOB DESCRIPTION

Grower Support Manager


STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: President with dotted line to VP Licensing

JOB SUMMARY

TheGrower Support Manager supports the development of licensed plantings of proprietary Sun World table grapes and stonefruit throughout California. This entails working closely with the Company’s variety development (fruit breeding) staff as well as those nurseries and producers that are licensed to propagate vines and trees and produce fruit from them.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support development of licensed table grape, peach, plum, nectarine and apricot production in California’s Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys and in Sonora, Mexico.
  • Identify, with Variety Development and licensing staff, new and suitable Sun World-bred varieties to be trialed and planted commercially
  • Plan and prioritize multiplication/propagation, testing and commercialization of individual fruit varieties/selections
  • Coordinate evaluation and reporting of all test varieties
  • Coordinate technical support to licensed growers in order to optimize production and results
  • Manage grapevine and stonefruit tree plant material propagation plans and inventories
  • Responsible for ensuring timely contracts are in place with all parties involved in testing, multiplication (nurseries) and commercial planting of Sun World varieties by means of relevant license agreements
  • Manage annual reporting by licensees on all operational activities
  • Guide and oversee timely invoicing and collection of royalties and license fees
  • Assist with annual licensing revenue budgeting and forecasting

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, Background
  • Bachelor of Science in agricultural science or business required, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 3 years in agriculture industry preferably with exposure to and familiarity with the producer community
  • Familiarity with proprietary fruit varieties, the fruit breeding and plant propagation processes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Written and verbal fluency in English required; written and verbal fluency in Spanish helpful
  • Highly responsive and organized
  • Ability to function on Microsoft Office.

LIAISON REQUIRED WITH:

  • California stonefruit grower-marketer licensees
  • Coachella and San Joaquin Valley grape producer licensees
  • Sonora, Mexico grape producer licensees
  • California stonefruit and grapevine nursery licensees
  • Licensing and variety development staff

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED

  • None

POSITION REPORTS TO:

  • President, Sun World Innovations with dotted line to VP Licensing

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

This position requires that you be able to speak, read and write English at a level, which allows full communication and participation in a team situation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle controls; talk/hear. Employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and stop.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Ability to work whenever required, including nights and weekends
  • Able to work in fast-paced, demanding environment
  • Regular periodic interstate California travel

I have read the above job description understand and agree with its contents.

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