Senior Production Manager, Rubus Northern Europe
Driscoll's · Maidstone
About the Opportunity
Are you an experienced leader within the soft fruit industry with a passion for raspberries and blackberries? Do you have the ability to bring growers, supply chain teams, commercial teams, and operational functions together around a shared goal? If so, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role within Driscoll's, the global market leader in fresh berries.As Senior Production Manager, Rubus Northern Europe, you will be responsible for the development, growth, and execution of the raspberry and blackberry category across Northern Europe. You will work closely with growers, supply chain, commercial teams, agronomy, forecasting, and quality functions to create a sustainable and profitable future for both our growers and our business.
This role combines strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and operational execution. You will serve as the critical link between our growers and the wider organization, ensuring that plans are not only developed but successfully delivered.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the production and supply strategy for raspberries and blackberries across Northern Europe.
- Translate supply and demand plans into actionable grower production plans.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, acting as their primary point of contact within Driscoll's.
- Lead business reviews, planning sessions, and grower visits.
- Support growers with operational, financial, and strategic challenges to enhance profitability and sustainability.
- Align production, forecasting, demand planning, and operational capabilities to ensure reliable customer supply.
- Partner closely with Supply Chain, Packaging, Logistics, Quality, Commercial, Master Planning, and Product Business Management teams to deliver outstanding results.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to production, quality, supply, and operations.
- Create alignment across departments and stakeholders throughout the organization.
- Lead strategic initiatives and drive continuous improvement within the Rubus category.
- Identify growth opportunities, investment priorities, and innovative solutions that strengthen the category.
- Support the development and execution of the long-term Northern European Rubus strategy.
Success in This Role
Success in this position means building trusted relationships with growers, effectively connecting internal teams, and ensuring strategies are translated into measurable results. You know how to bring people together, create alignment across functions, and make a direct contribution to the growth and long-term success of the Northern European Rubus category.
Why Driscoll's?
At Driscoll's, you'll join the global market leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. For more than 100 years, we have partnered with independent growers to deliver the finest berries to consumers around the world.
Our culture is built on passion, humility, and trustworthiness. We believe in long-term partnerships, innovation through natural breeding, and continuously improving everything we do. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact within a global organization that continues to grow and evolve.
Candidate Profile
You are an experienced professional within the soft fruit or horticultural sector who can seamlessly move between strategic thinking and operational execution. You have the ability to turn complex challenges into practical solutions and excel at building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
In addition, you bring:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, or a related field (preferred).
- A minimum of 10 years of experience within the soft fruit industry (preferred).
- Broad experience across multiple disciplines, including production, agronomy, supply chain, packing operations, nursery operations, and harvest management.
- Strong technical knowledge of raspberries, blackberries, or other berry crops, including production curves, varieties, and plant types.
- Excellent analytical skills and experience with forecasting and production planning.
- Outstanding communication skills and the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
- Proven stakeholder management experience within an international environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- A valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly to growers and operational sites.