Join the Leading #AvoExperts
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process, and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We’re looking for a Director of Value Added Products to join one of our teams in Europe. This is a pivotal role, responsible for shaping and executing the Value-Added strategy across European markets, ensuring alignment with global objectives and sustainability goals.
Responsibilities Include:
1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive Value-Added product strategy tailored to European markets, aligned with global objectives and sustainability goals.
2. Operational Excellence: Oversee production, supply chain, and distribution, driving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and health & safety compliance.
3. Sales & Market Expansion: Lead revenue growth initiatives, build client relationships, and analyse market trends to expand market share.
4. Innovation & Product Development: Partner with R&D to enhance the Value-Added product range, ensuring successful market launches.
5. Team Leadership: Build and develop a high-performing team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
6. Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
7. Compliance & Quality: Ensure operations meet regulatory and food safety standards while maintaining product excellence.
8. Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Commercial, and Finance teams, integrating Westfalia Belgium’s operations into the wider Group portfolio.
Requirements
Essential:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).
2. A strong background in the food industry, with prior experience in a senior leadership role.
3. Proven track record in managing Value-Added product lines or similar operations.
4. Extensive experience in European markets; global experience is an advantage.
5. Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
6. Strong strategic planning, leadership, and operational management skills.
7. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
8. Proficiency in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
Desirable:
1. Fluency in an additional European language.
2. Experience with innovation and product development in the food industry.
3. Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and practices within the food sector.
Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that will vary by location. Full details will be shared as part of the interview process.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
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