Blueberry Commodity Director

Job Title: Blueberry  Commodity Director

Position Type: Permanent

Job  Description

Job Purpose:

Under  the direction of the VP of Grower Relations, this position is responsible for  the overall performance of the blueberry category across all sourcing regions.  This role serves as the strategic link  between growers, sourcing teams, sales, logistics, operations, accounting,  and customer demand to ensure successful execution of the blueberry business.

Duties &  Responsibilities:

·          Lead the overall blueberry commodity strategy  across all sourcing regions, ensuring alignment with company growth  objectives, customer requirements, profitability targets, and long-term  supply needs.

·          Develop and execute seasonal and multi-year  supply plans by analyzing crop forecasts, production trends, customer demand,  market conditions, and regional sourcing opportunities to ensure a consistent  and reliable supply program.

·          Own commodity forecasting, seasonal planning,  and supply outlook processes, providing accurate and timely information to  support sales planning, procurement decisions, inventory management, and  executive decision-making.

·          Monitor crop conditions, harvest progress,  market trends, weather events, and regional transitions to proactively  identify supply risks, mitigate disruptions, and capitalize on market  opportunities.

·          Build and maintain strategic relationships  with growers and industry partners, working closely with regional sourcing  teams to strengthen supplier engagement, improve supply reliability, and  support long-term sourcing initiatives.

·          Support grower contract negotiations, pricing  recommendations, and sourcing strategies while evaluating grower performance,  production capabilities, quality standards, and regional competitiveness to  optimize the supplier network.

·          Partner closely with Sales, Operations, and  Supply Chain teams to align supply availability with customer demand,  promotional programs, and service expectations while maximizing commodity  performance and customer satisfaction.

·          Develop and manage commodity allocation,  pricing, and distribution strategies during periods of supply fluctuation,  ensuring optimal product utilization, customer service levels, and financial  results.

·          Monitor and analyze category financial  performance, including profitability, budget adherence, grower settlements,  and key business metrics, providing recommendations to improve margins and  overall business performance.

·          Identify and implement opportunities to  improve operational efficiency, sourcing effectiveness, product quality, and  profitability through process improvements, data analysis, and strategic  business initiatives.

·          Work effectively and efficiently in  cross-functional departments including sales, operations, logistics, finance, shipping, and receiving.

·          Ability to work proactively, prioritize tasks  and to manage time effectively.

Skills/Qualifications:

·          Bachelor's degree in Agriculture,  Agribusiness, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related  field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.

·          Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive  experience in fresh produce sourcing, procurement, commodity management,  grower relations, or supply chain operations, with significant blueberry  industry experience preferred.

·          Demonstrated experience managing produce  commodity programs across multiple domestic and international growing  regions, including sourcing, supply planning, and customer fulfillment.

·          Strong knowledge of blueberry production  practices, growing regions, crop cycles, quality standards, market dynamics,  and seasonal supply transitions.

·          Proven ability to develop commodity  strategies, manage supply programs, and align sourcing activities with  customer demand, profitability goals, and long-term business objectives.

·          Extensive experience with forecasting,  budgeting, commodity profitability analysis, grower settlements, inventory  management, and performance reporting.

·          Knowledge of import/export operations,  international sourcing programs, logistics networks, and regulatory  requirements associated with the fresh produce industry.

·          Experience negotiating grower contracts,  pricing agreements, and long-term supply arrangements while maintaining  strong supplier partnerships.

·          Proven leadership skills with the ability to  lead cross-functional business initiatives and effectively collaborate with  Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality Assurance, and regional  sourcing teams.

·          Strong analytical, problem-solving,  negotiation, and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to evaluate  complex business issues and develop practical solutions.

·          Excellent communication, presentation, and  relationship-management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders  and build credibility with growers, customers, and internal teams.

·          Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and  business systems used for forecasting, reporting, inventory management, and  commodity planning.

·          Ability to travel domestically and  internationally as needed to support grower relationships, sourcing  initiatives, operational reviews, and business development activities.

·          Must be able to read, write, and speak English  proficiently.

·          Spanish language proficiency (reading,  writing, and speaking) is preferred but not required.

This  job description is intended to outline the framework of the duties performed  by employees in this job. It is not

an  exhaustive list of all the job’s responsibilities. All our jobs include a  broad range of activities, duties, and

responsibilities  which may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without  notice.