Senior Blueberry Forecast Manager

Driscoll’s•Watsonville, CA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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 preferred
Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Word and PowerPoint required
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 plus
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 environment
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 improvement
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 requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience with Anaplan or comparable planning platforms preferred
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish strongly preferred

Responsibilities

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 adoption
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 sharing
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 quality
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 visibility
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 DOTA
Serve as the national blueberry forecasting lead, providing consistent supply variance analysis and connecting district insights to enterprise decisions
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.