Position Purpose
The Nursery Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the daily business activities related to the Berry Blue Program, which includes managing inventories, making short-range adjustments to the growth and distribution plan, and understanding all nuances of blueberry plant availability in the short term. This role has a major responsibility in collaborating with Berry Blue strategic nursery partners by providing accurate plant availability projections, category education, and communication on supply chain conditions. The position will also monitor and measure sales activities to ensure adequate plant flow and order fulfillment for all assigned production regions.
Organizational Relationships
Direct Supervisor: Berry Blue Director
Significant Relationships: Berry Blue Team, Island Grove Nursery, and other potential nursery partners
Reporting Hierarchy: Berry Blue Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Island Grove Executive Team
Locations
1. Remote or located in one of the following areas: Alma, Georgia or Grand Junction, MI
Accountabilities and Responsibilities
1. Direct focus on the daily short-term sales and operations planning for all Berry Blue Program blueberry plants, including both conventional and organic varieties.
2. Execute operational functions, including reviewing inventories, plant rotation, carryover, and reviewing the ideal mix of plant varieties with the Nursery Sales Manager.
3. Act as the first point of contact for dealing with and handling plant claims with the sales team and partner operations staff.
4. Communicate transportation, availability, inventory, order fulfillment, and other unforeseen situations to the Nursery Sales Manager.
5. Develop a knowledge base on blueberry plants.
6. Execute customer-specific programs as needed and directed by management.
7. Drive innovation and improvement in the department through new and/or improved processes.
8. Manage inventory, production, and order execution for large quantities of blueberry plants.
9. Create and distribute weekly reports per week.
Qualifications and Skills Required
1. Associates (two-year) degree minimum; bachelor’s degree in agriculture business, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
2. Knowledge of agriculture business, plant sales, order fulfillment, and/or production management preferred.
3. Three years’ experience in office or plant environment a plus.
4. Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred but not required.
5. Intermediate or greater skills with Windows, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word required. Previous experience with SAP a plus.
6. Ability to build creative solutions for analyzing production planning and grower returns via Excel or any other tool strongly encouraged.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Aptitude to lead conference calls from time to time, including professional phone etiquette.
8. High energy level with strong interpersonal skills.
9. Self-starter, multi-task oriented, works well independently, and acts on own initiative.
10. Ability to accept responsibility, make competent decisions independently, and thrive in a cooperative team environment.
11. Confidence to take on upper management roles and responsibilities as travel and availability schedules dictate.
12. Ability to work in a professional, confident manner.
13. Strong analytical skills.
14. Effective time management skills are necessary to ensure a high level of quality and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
15. Prior experience in the plant business and/or blueberry plant category, and basic knowledge of production cycles and growing areas a plus.
16. The individual must be willing to travel for short periods and available to travel at least 30 days per year. Valid driver’s license required.
17. Must be available on call evenings and weekends. Will be responsible for department coverage on the weekends on a rotation basis.
Physical Demand
1. Office Work: Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Frequently required to walk. Occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
2. Outside Work: Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk on uneven ground, and navigate around growing areas. May require lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs.
3. Ability to travel frequently, including driving long distances and flying.
4. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with extended periods of computer use.
5. Occasional exposure to agricultural environments, including potential allergens and varying noise levels.
Location: Remote or located in one of the following areas: Alma, Georgia or Grand Junction, MI
Hours: Full-time, Exempt
