Agribusiness Business Development Manager

Job Location: Oregon

Company description

Ferrero is a family-owned company with a truly progressive and global outlook and iconic brands such as Nutella®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, Raffaello®, Kinder Bueno® and Kinder Surprise®. As the love for our brands continues to grow, so too does our global reach. Represented in more than 50 countries, with products sold in more than 170, the Ferrero Group is loved by generations around the world. The secret to our global success? 40,000 dedicated employees who celebrate care and quality to craft a business, careers and brands we are proud of. Join us, and you could be one of them.

About the Role:

The HCo Outgrowing USA is responsible for the implementation of the Agri Business Development strategy in USA, in close coordination with the central HCo Agribusiness Development function. 

Reporting to the central Agri Business Development manager and in close coordination with the Hazelnut Procurement, Food Safety and Quality and Supply Chain functions, in charge of driving the growth of the country in terms of plantations and volumes, supporting the farmers in adopting proper farming practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of the hazelnuts produced. Also provides assistance to the local industry in achieving the traceability commitments.

Finally, acts as a point of contact between Ferrero HCo and the stakeholders of the local value chain, intercepting investors interested in entering into the hazelnut sector, monitoring the progresses of the R&D collaborations with local universities and reporting to the center any opportunity or issue arising in the US hazelnut industry.

Main Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the central Agribusiness Development function, define the Outgrowing development strategy for the short, mid and long term horizon and the action plan to achieve the development targets.
• Constantly monitors the progress of the actions against the plan and promptly report gaps, propose solutions as well as take advantage of unplanned opportunities.
• Scout new farmers interested in investing in hazelnut and possibly planting the Ferrero certified varieties. Plan and run investors roadshows, preparing/updating and presenting investor decks and business plans.
• Collaborate with the farmers to increase the hazelnut production yield as well as the quality year after year.
• Constantly monitor the farmers expected hazelnut production capacity to provide an accurate estimation of the next season crop volume. Promptly report to the center any variation compared to the initial estimation.
• During the harvest period, act as a point of connection between the local and the central HCo functions and the Oregon farmers community, providing constant updates on harvest dynamics, farmers behaviors and the industry moods.
• Scout, develop and constantly nurture business relationship with 3rd parties willing to invest in hazelnut plantations or post harvest processing facilities.
• In collaboration with Procurement and Food Safety and Quality functions, strengthen the value chain enlarging the hazelnut suppliers’ portfolio in the US arena.
• In collaboration with Procurement and Responsible Sourcing functions, deploy the targets of Traceability and Sustainability.
• Serve as the technical reference point with the academic community, with specific regard to Oregon State University and Rutgers University. Provide constant updates to the central Agribusiness function on local R&D trends and challenges and support opportunities.
• Maintain knowledge of local industry trends, current business development opportunities and hazelnut growing innovations and provide periodical updates to the central management.
• Act as the Ferrero frontperson on the field to anticipate opportunities (i.e. new hazelnut varieties), potential issues (i.e. agrochemicals usage) and promptly engage the central teams (i.e. ACC, DTS, DTC…)
• Act as the Ferrero local “antenna” to identify events and/or propose public initiatives to promote the Ferrero brand and expand the business network.
• Act as the Ferrero “ambassador” with local stakeholders such as political institutions, farmers, business and academic community.

Who we are looking for:

Proven Agribusiness background or experience in business development or project management roles: 

⦁ Extensive agribusiness experience: At least 8 years covering business development roles. Companies operating in the hazelnut or dry fruits sector highly preferred. 

⦁ Management skills: Well-developed project management and business development expertise, are required. This includes budget management, conflict management, proactivity, communication and decision-making skills. Familiarity with basic finance concepts (i.e.: investments evaluation, business plans understanding, income statements) is required. Standard computer knowledge including Microsoft Office is required.

⦁ Availability to travel inside or outside of US. Anticipated travel approximately 20% annually.

⦁ Bachelor’s degree required. 

How to be successful in the role and at Ferrero:

Consumers, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do. So, to be successful at Ferrero, you’ll need to be just as consumer and product centric as we are – dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers around the world. 

#FNA

Diversity Statement

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.

Ferrero N.A. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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