Field Technical Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is a venture-backed agricultural technology and materials science company focused on extending freshness, reducing food waste, and improving supply-chain efficiency across the fresh produce and floral industries. Their patented solutions integrate directly into packaging and post-harvest workflows, enabling customers to improve quality, reduce shrink, and unlock measurable economic value. The company is entering a key growth phase in North America, supported by experienced global leadership and strategic partnerships within the packaging and produce ecosystems.

THE POSITION

The Field Technical Manager will serve as the technical lead for field execution and customer adoption in the Western United States and Mexico. This role owns the design, execution, and interpretation of field trials and works closely with customers and internal teams to translate technical efficacy into real-world commercial outcomes. The position is highly hands-on, field-driven, and central to scaling a proven technology in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.

Main Responsibilities

Field Trials & Technical Execution

• Lead and manage field trials across priority crops, from application through multi-interval evaluation
• Ensure proper protocol execution in real-world field and pack-house conditions
• Collect, analyze, document, and interpret trial data and trial outcomes against control benchmarks for evaluations.
• Translate technical results into clear, actionable insights for customers and internal teams
• Protocol Development & Optimization
• Adapt and refine protocols based on crop, customer operations, and supply-chain realities
• Bridge laboratory intent with field practicality in collaboration with internal technical leadership
• Develop repeatable best practices that support commercial scale-up

Customer Engagement & Enablement

• Act as the primary technical interface during trials and early adoption phases
• Work directly with growers, packers, distributors, and operational partners
• Provide hands-on guidance on application and performance optimization
• Build trust through technical credibility and consistent field presence

Commercial & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner closely with Sales as a technical enabler (not a quota-carrying role)
• Support qualified opportunities early in the sales process with data and insight
• Help articulate economic value tied to areas such as shrink reduction, labor efficiency, and inventory flexibility
• Collaborate with product, technical, and marketing teams to align field feedback with strategy

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a technically strong, field-oriented professional who enjoys owning outcomes rather than operating within rigid corporate structures. This person is comfortable working independently, thrives in dynamic environments, and brings both credibility and curiosity to customer interactions. They are energized by being in the field, solving practical problems, and helping new technology gain real-world traction.

Required Experience

• 5–15 years in field agronomy, post-harvest technology, technical service, or applied agricultural R&D
• Hands-on experience running and interpreting field trials in fresh produce or adjacent sectors
• Strong understanding of fresh produce supply chains (field ? pack ? ship ? retail)
• Experience with post-harvest solutions, packaging technologies, or freshness management preferred
• Exposure to high-value or shrink-sensitive crops (e.g., berries, leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers, stone fruit, pome fruits)

Required Skills

• Strong analytical ability with comfort translating data into action and business impact
• Excellent communication skills; trusted advisor mindset rather than sales pitch
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the field
• Confidence engaging with senior customer leadership and internal stakeholders

Culture Fit / Lifestyle

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and adaptable.
• Willing and able to travel up to 60%
• Thrives in hands-on, fast-moving environments with high accountability

Location: California (Salinas Valley preferred; Central Valley / Santa Maria considered)
Work Model: Remote
Travel: Up to 60%