Variety Deployment Manager (Variety Improvement) - Berry International

at  Costa

Are you passionate about blueberries and eager to make a global impact in horticulture? Join Costa as the Variety Deployment Manager and take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of blueberry cultivation. With a flexible work location and extensive international travel, this is your chance to influence the global blueberry market and drive innovation across continents!

ABOUT COSTA

Costa is a global leading grower, packer, and marketer of premium quality fresh produce with farming operations across three continents. We nurture our people, cultivate our growing sites, and invest in ongoing research and development.
We are currently seeking a Variety Deployment Manager to spearhead the promotion and adoption of new blueberry varieties developed by our Costa Variety Improvement Program (VIP). This role involves working closely with our grower partners to ensure they have the knowledge and support needed to optimise these new genetics. With a flexible work location and extensive international travel, this position involves collaborating with growers and stakeholders around the globe.
The Berry International Division comprises berry farming in Morocco (product exported to Europe, UK, and Asia) and China (product sold in China). Also licensing of our proprietary blueberry varieties across several regions, including the Americas and Africa.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated horticulture professional to drive the global adoption of cutting-edge blueberry varieties and make a significant impact on our grower partners’ success.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: Tertiary training in horticulture or a closely related field is essential.
• Experience: Proven track record in managing technical projects related to plant supply, nursery, and variety development. Extensive experience in the global berry industry is highly valued.
• Sales and Agronomy: A mix of sales acumen and agronomy expertise to effectively promote and support the adoption of new varieties.
• Cultural Awareness: Ability to adapt communication and leadership styles to different cultural settings.
• Communication Skills: Excellent skills in influencing and relating to people.
• Technical Proficiency: Computer literate, proficient in MS Suite, and advanced spreadsheet skills.

• Promote New Varieties: Lead the advancement of cutting-edge blueberry varieties from Costa’s breeding program. Elevate their benefits and drive adoption among growers, positioning these innovations as industry-leading solutions.
• Grower Support: Spend significant time with growers, providing expert advice and support to help them get the best from the new genetics through effective growing techniques.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key growers and strategic partners, acting as the liaison for the Costa Variety Improvement Program (VIP).
• Expert Advice: Provide guidance on best management practices to ensure successful variety deployment.
• Information Transfer: Facilitate the flow of information to meet the future needs of our customers.
• Sustainable Practices: Contribute to plant export programs and ensure sustainable propagation practices.
• Support Breeding Programs: Assist with breeding and variety testing programs domestically and internationally.
• Commercialisation Support: Participate in IP and regional licensing planning and needs analysis for new varieties.
• Resource Development: Create resources such as grower fact sheets and production guides to enhance grower performance.