Director Global Farmer Support Centers

Work Location

Starbucks Coffee Trading based in Lausanne, an affiliate company of Starbucks Coffee Company. This role will contribute to Starbucks' success by managing teams while simultaneously leading efforts to translate the company's promises regarding sustainability and environmental stewardship into actionable farm practices. This includes providing leadership in setting goals for the work group, developing organizational capability, and modeling collaborative teamwork.

Job Summary and Mission

The Director of Farmer Support serves as a coffee expertise and relationship manager with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, fostering successful collaboration and alignment across the business and coffee industry to transform and achieve results. In addition to developing strategic and operational plans for the work group, this role is responsible for managing execution and measuring results using key performance indicators (KPIs). Ultimately, the role aims to enhance farm profitability, productivity, and climate resilience, while upholding Starbucks' guiding principles and fostering partner development and team building.

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.
• Supports the global sustainability team to identify and manage the company’s cohesive implementation and global development of sustainability.
• Leads the farming and commercial activities on the farms.  

Translating Promises into Farm Practices:

• Work closely with farmers to translate our company's promises regarding sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility into actionable farm practices.
• Provide tailored support and guidance to farmers to facilitate the transition to more sustainable farming methods.
• Collaborate with internal and external experts to develop and implement innovative solutions that align with our 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 business models for smallholder farming systems.
• Support the design and implementation of sustainable farming processes to reduce environmental impact and increase farm productivity.
• Develop strategies to enhance climate resilience and mitigate the impact of environmental challenges on farming operations.

Model Farm Network Development:

• Establish and manage a Model Farm Network across our sourcing countries to showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement within the Model Farm Network.
• Drive continuous innovation and knowledge sharing among farmers to promote adoption of sustainable farming techniques.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve 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 internal and external stakeholders to provide updates on program activities, progress, and impact.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in agricultural extension services, farm management, or related field. Coffee knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated 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 and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to apply sound business principles and practices to project management and change management processes. 
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and performance.
  International working experience
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in English. 
  Spanish fluency is a plus.

Job Scope