Senior Blueberry Forecast Manager

About the Opportunity The Senior Blueberry Forecast Manager leads Driscoll’s blueberry supply forecasting strategy and execution across Driscoll's of the Americas (DOTA). This role ensures timely, accurate, and actionable supply forecasts that align commercial, operational, and production decisions.Combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution, the manager develops forecasting processes and tools, analyzes supply drivers and field data, facilitates in-field capability building, and publishes short- and long-range supply outlooks. The role also provides critical input to the annual operating plan and leads communication of forecast changes, risks, and opportunities.As the primary source of blueberry supply forecast, this role partners with District Production Teams, Supply Planning, S&OP, Sales, Demand Management, Inventory Planning, Plan Execution, and Product Business Management to align assumptions, explain deviations, and enable confident decisions.Success requires strong cross-functional leadership, rigorous analysis, disciplined communication, and proactive risk management. The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically capable, detail-oriented, and committed to continuously improving forecast accuracy, visibility, and organizational responsiveness.ResponsibilitiesForecasting Leadership• Own and continuously improve DOTA-wide supply forecasting processes, standards, tools, and governance• Serve as the subject matter expert for blueberry forecasting, translating production and market inputs into reliable supply outlooks• Publish timely short- and long-range forecasts; communicate material changes, underlying drivers, risks, and opportunities• Monitor forecast performance and lead corrective actions that improve accuracy, consistency, and adoptionCollaboration and Stakeholder Communication• Represent Supply Forecasting on Berry Execution Teams and serve as the primary liaison to district production and forecasting teams• Align cross-functional partners on forecast assumptions, supply scenarios, constraints, and response plans• Lead forecast reviews and supply-risk discussions, ensuring decisions, owners, and follow-up actions are clear• Build forecasting capability through field engagement, training, coaching, and knowledge sharingData Analysis and Process Improvement• Lead daily and weekly forecast cycles, ensuring complete, timely, and high-quality submissions• Analyze district forecasts, historical performance, field conditions, and production drivers to identify variability and emerging risk• Develop forecast assumptions and supply scenarios, and lead quarterly reforecasting activities• Advance forecasting tools, data, automation, and analytical methods to improve insight, speed, and decision qualityStrategic Supply Planning• Lead the blueberry supply forecast contribution to the annual operating plan, validating assumptions and aligning stakeholders on the approved outlook• Own the supply deviation management process and maintain the Production Master Schedule• Support development of the DOTA supply plan, including budgeting, scenario evaluation, and cross-functional alignment• Use GIS mapping and other analytical tools to strengthen production validation and supply visibilityKnowledge and Industry Expertise• Maintain current expertise in forecasting methods, agricultural production dynamics, and relevant industry trends• Standardize and share best practices across districts and teams to strengthen forecasting capability• Provide supply forecasting support for genetic launches and plant-order planning within DOTANational and District Representation• Serve as the national blueberry forecasting lead, providing consistent supply variance analysis and connecting district insights to enterprise decisionsOther• Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc. Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials. Perform other duties as assigned.Candidate ProfileEducation and Experience• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business, mathematics, supply chain, analytics, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered• Five or more years of experience in supply forecasting, production planning, agricultural analytics, or a related discipline preferred• Experience with berry production, field operations, or other perishable agricultural supply chains is preferredTechnical Skills• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Word and PowerPoint required; experience with Anaplan or comparable planning platforms preferred• Experience with data visualization, GIS, and analytical tools such as Tableau, ESRI, SQL, or Python preferred• Strong quantitative reasoning and demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear supply insights and decisions• Exposure to statistical forecasting, predictive modeling, or machine learning applications is a plusCommunication and Leadership• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex supply information clearly to technical, operational, and executive audiences• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional process improvement and influence outcomes without direct authority• Proven success building trusted relationships and driving alignment in a matrixed, multicultural environmentCompetencies• Results-oriented self-starter who demonstrates ownership, sound judgment, and urgency• Strategic and analytical thinker who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment• Collaborative, culturally aware, and skilled at navigating ambiguity, resolving conflict, and driving continuous improvementOther Requirements• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish strongly preferred• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%, including travel within the United States, Mexico, and South America; valid passport required• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle-insurance requirementsCompensation & Benefits:The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.Salary Range estimated for the Sr. Blueberry Forecast Manager: $108,000 to $140,000 USD.Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package will be shared during the application process.#LI-LM1SummaryLocation: US - Watsonville, CaliforniaType: Full time