Country Manager

Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly, collaborative team spread across the globe. To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified Country Manager. This position will be located in Meterik, The Netherlands. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

You are responsible for the overall Fall Creek business in the country you have been assigned to, and its development in accordance with the policies, goals and objectives established in the strategic plan.  You are responsible for the protection and growth of the Fall Creek brand, building strong relationships, delivering exceptional plants, and promoting the Fall Creek culture, with prudent use of company resources to maximize financial results.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:

Reporting to the Regional Director EMEA

JOB SETTING:

You supervise the in-country, operations, finance, and human resource functions, and have frequent interactions with local institutions, government representatives, suppliers, customers, visitors and guests of Fall Creek.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned) 

1. Responsible for leading the development of strategy to meet goals set out in the strategic plan in your country, following instructions and collaborating with the Commercial Department EMEA. Regularly reports progress on the achievement of company goals and initiatives.


2. Develop the annual operating plan for the country, deploying resources to support Fall Creek’s premier position as the leading quality plant supplier focused on customer success.


3. Coach and develop managers and employees to improve job performance. Establish and maintain good morale, motivation, and recognition of accomplishment in all employees.


4. Responsible for the subsidiary budget ensuring compliance with established financial covenants.


5. Responsible for the successful achievement of operational activities including new facility establishment, capital structures and equipment, efficiency improvement plans, shipping and procurement.


6. Provide leadership to the subsidiary to ensure the successful planning, propagation and production of brand-compliant plants.


7. Supports, perpetuate and enhances Fall Creek’s core values and corporate culture.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

1. Require a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, management, international business or related field.


2. Minimum of 10+ years of work experience, with 5+ years in an executive-level or international management position leading business initiatives with full P&L responsibility.


3. Minimum of 5+ years in a supervisory or management position with demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and providing leadership to employees.


4. Experience in the nursery or produce industry.


5. Understanding of plant intellectual property licensing, rules, and laws.


6. Fluent English and advanced language skills in Dutch.


7. Ability to understand the technical aspects of growing (fertility, nutrition,disease control). Direct experience with farming produce or nursery crops preferred.


8. Demonstrated experience with planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP system.

Spanish would be a Plus..

Who is Fall Creek? 

We’re a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have wholly-owned nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, China, and Chile. Additionally, we have built a global team of the finest breeders, researchers, propagators and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts and more. We’re a deeply-planted link in a global chain, ready to serve our customers and our industry throughout North, Central, and South America, Greater Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence. To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries™.