Job Description:
Sheehan Genetics is a specialist company that was set up to provide dedicated focus and resource in the field of table grape varietal development. We provide our growers with new varieties that can be produced profitably in a highly competitive market.
We are currently looking for a Technical Manager to join our team in Fresno, CA.
As the Technical Manager you are responsible for carrying out all day to day tasks of the Sheehan business in California and Mexico. This includes the promotion and marketing of the Sheehan varieties, full management of the Sheehan trial blocks and providing proper after sales services to growers.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- Bilingual in English & Spanish.
- Availability for traveling to Mexico mainly, but also other countries where we operate.
- Knowledge of the table grape industry.
- Knowledge of the Table Grape varieties, preferably.
- Problem solving and analysis abilities.
- Excellent communication & influencing skills.
- Ability to engage with people.
- Accurate reporting.
- Reliability.
- Full driving license.
- Travelling visas to Mexico and other South American countries (when required).
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Promotion of the Sheehan varieties to the table grape industry in Mexico and California through grower visits, open days, social media, etc.
- Organization and management of Sheehan test block at Fresno, and leadership of key staff. Establishment of additional test blocks if required.
- Organize and manage the thorough testing and evaluation of existing varieties and new selections at the Fresno test block, to include agronomic, post-harvest and commercial aspects.
- Develop suitable local production protocols to achieve the best results with new selections including growth regulators, nutrition, vine management, etc.
- Sales and promotion of licenses to Californian and Mexican table grape growers.
- Full support on the Sheehan Mexican business by developing close relationships with the Mexican growers and support them with continual visits (may include between 4 to 6 visits to Mexico a year).
- Close liaison with approved nurseries in California and Mexico to secure and manage availability of high quality, clean planting stock and coordinate plant deliveries to growers.
- Provide a high quality and responsive technical ‘after-sales service’ to licensees in both the US and Mexico.
- Manage the importation, quarantine and establishment of plant material to California and Mexico, as required.
- Fully integrate with SNFL Group team in terms of new variety development strategy and attend and participate in SNFL events worldwide (1 - 3 events per year).
- Organize and run ‘open days’ and technical meetings in California for local and international growers.
- Engage with agronomic specialists and laboratory services providers as required.
