Sr. Manager, Packline and Postharvest - Blueberry Operations

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

1d • $140,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Blueberry Packline and Postharvest - Blueberry Operations, is responsible for developing and implementing packline and postharvest strategies that ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency for Driscoll’s of the Americas (DOTA) blueberry business. This role leads cross-functional initiatives to optimize the handling of both machine-harvested and hand-picked fruit from field to market, drives continuous improvement in postharvest practices, and collaborates closely with growers, supply chain, quality, and technical teams to support enterprise-wide performance and innovation. This role will optimize the use of existing equipment and infrastructure, identify innovative technical solutions for critical improvement areas, and formulate and drive strategic packline investment plans to deploy automation technologies that enhance both quality and efficiency to scale the blueberry business. Furthermore, the role will spearhead the development and execution of operating models that empower Driscoll’s to adopt and integrate the most advanced technologies in blueberry harvesting, sorting, and packing, while making it attractive for blueberry growers to partner with Driscoll’s. The Senior Manager will establish and oversee a comprehensive process to evaluate, select, pilot, implement, and monitor both existing and emerging technologies for the harvesting and handling of fresh blueberries. Initial area of focus will be the creation of packline capacity in California, with future areas of focus to include Mexico and Peru. Success in this role requires close collaboration with Product Leadership, Sales, Distribution, Production, Growers, third-party providers, and other key stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Director of Manufacturing and Post Harvest.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Ag-business, Engineering, Postharvest Handling or a related field, Master’s degree preferred
• 15+ years’ experience in blueberry production, harvest and/or handling
• 10+ years’ experience managing operations for automated harvest and/or sorting and packing of fresh blueberries and other fresh fruits
• Ability to think strategically and develop long-term operational plans aligned with business goals, while able to work “hands-on” at an operational level if needed
• Deep understanding of postharvest physiology, cold chain management, fruit quality preservation, blueberry packline equipment capabilities
• Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies, including running field trials and ROI assessments
• Experience working with third-party technology providers and external research institutions
• Strong knowledge of packline equipment, automation technologies, and mechanized harvesting systems
• Experience with food safety standards, quality assurance protocols, and regulatory compliance in fresh produce
• Ability to work weekends as needed
• Ability to lift at least 15 lbs
• Domestic and international travel (valid passport) require up to 40%

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred, given cross-border operations
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance complex deliverables, multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines efficiently
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities
• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program
• Embraces and lives the Driscoll’s values: passion, humility, trustworthiness

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for blueberry harvest, packline operations, and postharvest processes to ensure optimal quality, efficiency, and product shelf-life
• Drive pilot projects and trials of new blueberry packline machinery and postharvest technologies, analyzing results to guide investment decisions
• Collaborate with external partners such as equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and research institutions to stay at the forefront of innovation
• Build, sponsor, and execute business cases to support capital investments
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, mechanization, and innovative technologies to enhance packline throughput and postharvest handling
• Manage cross-functional collaboration with growers, production, quality assurance, supply chain, and Blueberry Product Leadership to align operational goals and ensure smooth fruit flow from field to market
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to yield, quality, cost, and efficiency; use data-driven insights to guide decision-making
• Develop and manage budgets related to packline and postharvest operations, including capital investments in technology and infrastructure
• Oversee equipment and infrastructure optimization, including identifying opportunities for upgrades, maintenance, and integration of new technology
• Establish and maintain protocols for quality control, safety, and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Provide leadership and mentoring to technical and operational staff within packline and postharvest functions
• Ensure sustainability and environmental considerations are integrated into postharvest handling and packline processes
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership to communicate progress, challenges, and strategic plans
• Represents Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like professional manner in all interactions with growers, co-workers, suppliers, customers and the business community at large
• Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager