Job Summary and Mission
This role is crucial to Starbucks' success by managing teams and spearheading efforts to transform the company's commitments to sustainability and environmental stewardship into actionable farming practices. This involves providing leadership in goal-setting for the work group, developing organizational capabilities, and modeling collaborative teamwork.
The Director of Farmer Support acts as a coffee expert and relationship manager, collaborating with key stakeholders both internally and externally. This role is focused on fostering successful partnerships across the business and coffee industry to drive transformation and achieve impactful results. In addition to developing strategic and operational plans, this position is responsible for managing execution and measuring outcomes using key performance indicators (KPIs). Ultimately, the goal is to enhance farm profitability, productivity, and climate resilience while upholding Starbucks' guiding principles and promoting partner development and team building.
Summary of Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to a team of direct reports, including 10 centers and our own farms.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture focused on achieving shared goals and objectives.
- Mentor and develop team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.
- Support the global sustainability team in implementing and advancing the company’s sustainability initiatives.
- Lead the farming and commercial activities on the farms.
Translating Promises into Farm Practices
- Work closely with farmers to convert the company's promises regarding sustainability and social responsibility into actionable farming practices.
- Provide tailored support to farmers to facilitate their transition to more sustainable methods.
- Collaborate with experts to develop and implement innovative solutions that align with sustainability commitments.
Farm Support Services
- Offer expert agronomic advice to farmers to optimize crop yield and quality.
- Ensure compliance with social and labor standards through regular audits and training programs.
- Lead the development of income diversification models for smallholder farming systems.
- Support the design and implementation of sustainable farming processes to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.
- Develop strategies to improve climate resilience and mitigate environmental challenges affecting farming operations.
Model Farm Network Development
- Establish and manage a Model Farm Network across sourcing countries to showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities within the Model Farm Network.
- Drive continuous innovation and knowledge sharing among farmers to promote sustainable farming techniques.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary liaison between trading, sustainability, research teams, suppliers, and farmers.
- Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and alignment on shared objectives.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates on program activities, progress, and impact.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in agricultural extension services or farm management; knowledge of coffee preferred.
- Proven experience in team leadership and management with a track record of driving results through others.
- Deep understanding of agronomic principles, sustainable farming practices, and supply chain management.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple initiatives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment and drive consensus.
- Sound business principles applied to project management and change management processes.
- Experience managing vendor relationships and performance.
- International working experience.
- Fluent in English, with clear and concise communication skills; Spanish fluency is a plus.
Apply Online
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Job Scope
Direct Reports: 8-12