Plant Breeding Program Director, Berry Blue

Position PurposeThe Plant Breeding Program Director is responsible for overseeing the development and production of high-quality plant varieties, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, and achieving production and sales targets. This role involves leading and motivating a team of professionals, managing plant policies, improving cost efficiency and quality, and fostering community and company relationships. The Director is also responsible for implementing innovative breeding strategies, managing research teams, and collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the breeding program.Organizational RelationshipsDirect Supervisor : Chief Operating OfficerSignificant Relationships : Berry Blue Team, Island Grove Team, Horticulture Teams, and Regional DirectorsLocationsGrand Junction, MIAccountabilities and ResponsibilitiesOversee the development and production of high-quality plant varieties that meet the requirements of regulatory agencies and customers.Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by eliminating hazards, training employees, and promoting safety awareness.Implement plans and schedules to achieve production targets, ensuring products meet established goals for return on assets and contributions to sales and profits.Define and direct the administration of plant or facility policies within the framework of the company's breeding and research charter.Formulate and approve short- or long-term operating objectives, focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and the integration of new plant varieties.Ensure product quality meets established standards and costs remain within budget.Assist in the development and implementation of capital plans related to breeding program improvement or expansion.Establish and maintain favorable company and community relationships through active participation in community affairs.Manage and provide support for essential functions such as accounting / finance, human resources, and information technology.Motivate, develop, and inspire a team of professionals in breeding, quality control, maintenance, and research.Establish, maintain and nurture collaborative relationships with strategic university breeding programs.Utilize sales experience to support the marketing and distribution of new plant varieties, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.Qualifications and Skills RequiredMinimum 8 years of leadership experience in plant breeding or a related field. Experience in a large-scale, highly automated environment is strongly preferred.Proven experience in sales, particularly in promoting and distributing plant varieties or agricultural products.Bachelor's degree in plant breeding, horticulture, agriculture, or a related field, or equivalent experience.Proven track record of achieving business growth objectives in a fast-paced, highly complex environment.Authentic leader with strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across the company at all levels.Not required but prefer a knowledge of continuous improvement techniques (e.g., TPM, OPEX, Lean) and the ability to use data and systems to inform decisions.Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.Experience with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA, and OSHA is highly preferred.Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)Business need travel of up to 40%Office Work : Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Frequently required to walk. Occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.Outside Work : Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk on uneven ground, and navigate around growing areas. May require lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with extended periods of computer use.Occasional exposure to agricultural environments, including potential allergens and varying noise levels.#J-18808-Ljbffr