Director of Agriculture

Overview:
The Pictsweet Company is growing A 4th generation family owned company established in 1945, Pictsweet is a frozen vegetable producer with agricultural roots. We are recruiting a Director of Agriculture at Pictsweet's corporate office in Bells, TN.  The Director of Agriculture will ensure the reliable, cost-effective supply of acceptable quality raw material.  Overall leadership of our Company Farms & Machine Harvest Operations is another significant focus of the role.  This individual must work closely with Plant, Agriculture, and Logistics Managers to develop raw product contracting and sourcing/harvesting/inventory plans.  Cross-functional work with Technical Services to ensure compliance with quality standards will also be a function of this position.

Responsibilities:
Responsible for managing the raw product sourcing for all vegetable crops processed in Pictsweet facilities.

Lead the overall operation of our Company Farms & Machine Harvest Operations through management of all input costs, general production parameters, associate safety, and equipment management

Work with the Plant Managers and Agriculture Managers at each processing location to develop reliable, cost effective raw material sourcing plans. This includes the management of Raw Material Contracting, Raw Product Workbooks, and Harvest Calendars

Establish and maintain solid relationships with Company growers and grower affiliates to ensure long term raw product availability

Research and develop new growing areas and new growers that can expand the raw material availability and/or reliability for the Company.

Maintain knowledge of issues related to production, transportation, and importing of raw product from Mexico and other countries where vegetables are grown for the Company

Develop an understanding of the impact of water availability on all growing regions and provide proactive strategies to avoid impact to raw material availability

Stay informed of issues related to harvest labor, as well as field labor regulatory activity that could affect raw product availability

Provide input in guiding the Company’s vegetable research programs to meet the Company’s current and future raw product needs

Qualifications:
Bachelors’ Degree in Agriculture or related field such as Plant and Soil Science, Agriculture Engineering or Agronomy. Master’s Degree highly preferred.

5-7 years’ experience in vegetable production, harvesting and processing practices & equipment

Budgeting experience/responsibility

Experience in grower relations

MS Office proficiency especially Excel

Strong sense of self-motivation and willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as required.

Physical Environment Factors:

This position requires working in both an office and farm environment.  Must possess the ability to work in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) as needed.  Frequent local, regular overnight and occasional international travel is required.

 

The Pictsweet Company is an equal opportunity employer.  M/F/V/H

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