This role manages the acquisition and storage of raw product (potatoes) of a predetermined volume and quality at the optimum cost to meet customer requirements and expectations. Manages raw movement to the plant, storage of raw product, and usage/mix of product to be processed. Supervises contracting, growing, harvesting, and storage of raw product.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for grower relations and industry groups relevant to Region.
• Stays updated on new trends, varieties, and potential problems. Monitors markets and prices. Follows development of new varieties and watches for disease problems and cures. Directs, manages, trains, and develops capable staff.
• Develops, implements, and monitors departmental budget. Reviews previous year's budget, forecasts budget needs, and designs budget. Reviews for ways to cut costs; implements budget. Reviews monthly expenditures to monitor the plan, making adjustments as necessary to meet goals. Has full Management and P&L for Region.
• Contracts and purchases raw product for the plant(s). Responsible for contract administration, terms, and legal. Assists the Raw Procurement Director with potato contract negotiations by supplying necessary data (market conditions/information about competitors/available supplies; in addition to projected plant needs). Responsible for Raw Strategy for Region.
• Responsible for negotiating other services such as freight and grading.
• Coordinates raw scheduling with production based on quality and quantity. Directs field reps in sampling fields prior to harvest and storages after harvest. Directs raw lab in testing samples gathered by field reps and uses results to determine short- and long-term blend programs. Meets with production personnel to develop plans that will match the most desirable raw with finished quality requirements.
• Manages storages for proper holding environment and/or partners with individuals who handle. Reviews harvest samples and determines, based on sample quality and attributes, which loads go to the plant, to short-term storage, or to long-term storage. Resamples potatoes in storage to track their quality, making adjustments as necessary (such as scheduling problem storages into movement) to optimize storage availability.

Typical Education

Relevant Experience

Other Information

Degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Business or related field or equivalent experience. Potato processing and/or purchasing experience. Knowledge of accounting, grower and risk management, business legal codes (UCC), potato quality and grade factors, potato cultural practices, storage management and experience purchasing potatoes in required. Production knowledge of other crops raised in the area is helpful. Developments in potato research and industry activity must be followed and utilized. These factors are used to upgrade the grower base to assure a supply of high-quality raw product.

Skills: Good working knowledge and skills in the use of Excel, Word. Strong mathematical, verbal and written communication skills. Human Relations Skills: Leadership, Coaching, Participative Management Style, Development of Subordinates, and Performance Management. Management Skills: Planning, Organizing, Directing, Goal Setting, Controlling, Self-Development, and Decision Making. Professional Appearance and presentation skills.