JOB TITLE:  Quality Assurance Manager

LOCATION:  Northern California

Job #:  7944
 

Driscoll Strawberry Associates (Driscoll’s) is the berry industry market-leader, with the greatest sales revenue and brand recognition in the berry category.  As one of the most differentiated brands in produce, Driscoll’s fosters relationships with top retail, wholesale and foodservice operations.  Driscoll’s is developing a worldwide presence as a brand leader in 5 continents and holds fruit patents and trademarks in 41 countries.  We currently have an opening for a Quality Assurance Manager for Northern California.

In this position, you will be responsible for directing the Quality Assurance efforts for the Northern California growing regions for all berry types shipped by Driscoll's.  You will be responsible for Pack-Out, the support of Grower Relations and Grower Recruiting to optimize production while maintaining quality.  The focus of the QA team is to execute Driscoll’s Pay-for-Quality Program directed towards improving overall product quality and thoroughly satisfying Driscoll’s consumers.  You will work with the Production, Packaging, Export, Sales and Marketing staff to achieve and foster the alignment of our growers, vendors and retail customers.

Additional responsibilities include the following:

• Oversee and supervise Quality Assurance personnel in Watsonville and Salinas.

• Oversee and execute the daily Pack-Out program.

• Develop personnel to measure and optimize efficiency in order to attain Driscoll’s Corporate Plan.

• Work in close collaboration with all other QA groups and production areas to provide a unified program for the Quality Assurance Department.

• Promote safety, development, training and evaluation of personnel on a continuous basis.  Ensure proper levels of succession are in place and actively updated and refreshed

• Maintain daily communication with Sales Department with regards to production and quality

• Ensure the confidentiality of Driscoll’s financial, proprietary and employee information where appropriate.

• Represent Driscoll’s in a professional manner, demonstrating the Company’s mission and values in all interactions with co-workers, vendors, government agencies and consultants.

• Perform other duties as determined by Director.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business, or related field.

• 5 – 10 years of progressively-responsible management positions in the Agricultural/Product industry, with a proven ability to influence, develop and empower employees to achieve their personal potential in addition to corporate objectives.

• Strong business knowledge of perishable commodities, preferably strawberries

• Outstanding communication skills, with special emphasis in areas of motivation, innovation, adaptability and interpersonal relationships.

• Excellent team player with the ability to successfully operate in an environment in which processes and systems are being developed.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain eligibility for corporate vehicle insurance coverage.

• The ability to travel frequently within the region.

• Bilingual English/Spanish verbal and written skills preferred

We offer a year-round supply of organic and non-organic (conventional) berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.  In addition, Driscoll's offers conventional long stem strawberries and golden raspberries.  We are a third-generation, family-owned and operated company and our mission is to “Continually Delight Berry Consumers.”
 

If interested in applying, please go directly to our company website at www.driscolls.com and find our job listings under “About Us.”

We look forward to hearing from you!