Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Grower Relations Manager to lead our efforts in building and nurturing strong partnerships with growers and agricultural stakeholders. This role is vital in fostering collaborative relationships, ensuring quality produce sourcing, and driving sustainable growth. As a key representative of our organization, you will leverage your expertise to enhance communication, negotiate favorable terms, and support our mission to deliver exceptional products to our customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess excellent leadership skills, and are passionate about agriculture and customer service, this opportunity is for you!
Position Summary
The Grower Relations Department Manager is responsible for sourcing, developing, and maintaining grower relationships and contracts for the procurement of raw agricultural products including raisins, prunes (plums), figs, and dates for National Raisin Company. This role drives NRC seasonal harvest initiatives and grower programs while strengthening long-term partnerships. The Grower Relations Department Manager ensures consistent communication, accurate crop forecasting, contract execution, and alignment with NRC quality standards and industry regulations. The position serves as a professional liaison between NRC and its grower base, providing guidance on industry trends, cultural practices, grading standards, and market conditions.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Grower Relationship Management
Manages the Grower Relations Department and serves as the primary point of contact for growers.
Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with growers and field contacts.
Communicate company programs, pricing structures, quality standards, and contract terms.
Address grower concerns promptly and escalate issues as needed.
Promote long-term partnership and loyalty to National Raisin Company.
Crop & Supply Management
Conduct regular field visits to assess crop development, yield estimates, and quality expectations.
Monitor harvest timing and coordinate delivery schedules.
Provide crop forecasting and volume projections to internal teams.
Support new grower onboarding and acreage expansion efforts.
Quality & Compliance
Ensure growers understand and meet company quality specifications.
Monitor compliance with food safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate sampling, testing, and documentation as required.
Work closely with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams on corrective actions if needed.
Contracting & Pricing Support
Assist in negotiating and executing grower contracts.
Maintain accurate records of agreements, volumes, and pricing terms.
Monitor market trends and competitive activity within the region.
Provide feedback to leadership regarding grower sentiment and market conditions.
Operational Coordination
Active contributor of Management Team and key member towards contributing to global sourcing strategies
Coordinate with Operations, Production Scheduling, and Receiving teams to align deliveries.
Assist in resolving delivery, grading, or payment discrepancies.
Support harvest logistics planning to ensure smooth intake operations.
Maintain accurate CRM or ERP records related to grower accounts.
Business Development
Develop and execute short- and long-term grower base development strategies to ensure an adequate supply of agricultural commodities aligned with the Company's operational and business objectives.
Identify opportunities to expand grower base within California.
Develop relationships with prospective growers.
Represent National Raisin Company at industry meetings and grower events.
Maintain active familiarity with local and regional grower associations, cooperatives, and commodity groups to support relationship development and market intelligence.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
10 years or more experience in agricultural field operations, grower relations, commodity procurement, or crop advisory roles; familiarity with the California Central Valley farming community and established relationships with local grower groups strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of California dried fruit commodities including raisins, prunes, figs, and/or dates; deep understanding of California agricultural practices, farming operations, and California Central Valley growing regions.
Understanding of harvest cycles, grading standards, and quality requirements.
Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to analyze crop estimates and market conditions.
Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel extensively within assigned territory.
Experience in dried fruit processing or procurement.
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of food safety and traceability requirements and GAP based food safety standards (GMP, HACCP, FSMA, GAP).
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Relationship Building & Trust
- Agricultural Knowledge
- Market Awareness
- Negotiation Skills
- Forecasting & Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Integrity & Professionalism
National Raisin Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations upon request. We do not consider salary history. Employment is at-will.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
