Senior Variety Manager

Job content

Job Title: Senior Variety Manager

Location: Headquarters at Borgloon (BE), permanent establishment at Geldermalsen (NL)

Company: EFC CV (European Fruit Cooperation, www.efcfruit.com)

Reports to: CEO and Board of Directors

Job Overview:

EFC, as a cooperative venture, was founded in 2002 and is now a leading variety management company. EFC continuously searches for and develops exceptional, unique varieties and builds successful global brands, for which growers can acquire a license to grow. EFC’s mission is to create added value for all the parties in the fruit supply chain.

EFC currently manages a portfolio of four apple and pear brands, each of which has a secured recognized position in the marketplace: Kanzi®, Greenstar®, Sprizzle® and Migo®.

The Variety Manager will play a pivotal role in managing the promotion (to growers and retailers/consumers) and commercialization of the 4 brands of EFC. This role requires a deep understanding of market demands to allocate and manage the worldwide fruit production programs.

The Variety Manager will collaborate with internal teams, variety owners/breeders, growers, and license partners to optimize the performance of the varieties and support the company’s long-term strategic goals. The Variety Manager supports year-round marketing campaigns by aligning retail promotions and supply chain and motivates license partners to strive for “the one common brand target”.

Key responsibilities:

Market analysis & Strategy:

• Manage (organize) the worldwide production programs of the fruits, based on the market needs;
• Conduct thorough market analysis to understand consumer preferences, emerging trends, and competitive landscapes in the fruit industry;
• Develop and implement strategies for variety introduction;
• Stimulate grower cooperatives and growers to plant varieties that will facilitate EFC’s growth strategy and keep supply at the level needed to meet demand;
• Monitor the information regarding demand and supply;
• Support the marketing department with the implementation of campaign management for the varieties in all sales areas.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with agronomists, growers, and supply chain partners all over the world to ensure the successful cultivation and commercialization of selected varieties (first point of contact);
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to promote understanding and adoption of the varieties;
• Plan, organize and chair various periodic international meetings with partners and/or other stakeholders;
• Persuade growers and licensing partners on the benefits of the varieties (incl. market possibilities and opportunities).

Quality Compliance:

• Implement and oversee quality control measures to maintain the highest standards.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices and the development/use of environmentally friendly and sustainable varieties that are resilient to climate change and environmental stress;
• Stay updated on new developments and sustainable agriculture to drive innovation in variety management.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Manage the budget allocated for technical support to growers and for promotion and commercialization activities;
• Ensure efficient use of resources (royalties) to maximize the return on investment for variety management initiatives

Qualifications:

Education:

• Preferably Master’s degree or comparable higher vocational education.

Experience:

• Background in Business Administration, Marketing or Economics combined with experience in retail and/or food industry as well as agricultural sector (preferably in internationally/globally operating companies);
• Proven international work experience;
• A minimum of 10 years’ work experience of which at least 5 years in senior management function(s).

Skills:

• Commercial entrepreneur with proven track record with consumer products in agri-food industry;
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret market trends and research findings;
• Strategic thinker capable to translate strategies into operational activities;
• Strong project management and organizational skills;
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, strong personality with persuasion, a bridge builder;
• Result and market driven;
• A high degree of commitment, involvement, and empathetic abilities and capable to resolve conflicts (of interest);
• Proven language skills: English, German and Dutch.

Personal attributes:

• Ability to stay independent and neutral;
• Ability to implement long-term plans;
• Strong problem-solving skills and able to keep the line while remaining tactful and making “the troops” follow;
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• High drive and self-motivation with high stress resistance;
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Working conditions:

• This position requires regular travel to orchards, licensing partners, and industry events all over the world.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package including company car, laptop, mobile phone, health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to HR@efcfruit.com.

EFC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.