Agronomy Sourcing & Supplier Developer – Fresh Crops

Company Description

Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. With over 140 years of expertise, we believe nature got it right the first time. Join our fast-growing, international team and help us make natural, healthy food accessible worldwide.

Job Description

Agronomy Sourcing & Supplier Developer – Fresh Crops 

Role Purpose
The Agronomy & Seed Production Specialist will support the development and security of agricultural raw material supply in Turkey for black carrot, red beet, and sweet potatoes.

Working closely with growers, nurseries, agricultural partners, suppliers and internal sourcing teams, the position will ensure the availability of high-quality planting material, support strong agricultural performance in the field and contribute to building resilient and competitive sourcing programs.

The successful candidate will operate with a high level of autonomy and will be expected to translate field realities into clear recommendations and actionable insights for the organization.

Key Responsibilities
Seed & Planting Material
•Coordinate and follow up seed and planting material production, including greenhouse, nursery and open field to oversee seed multiplication and plant propagation activities. Ensure availability, quality and timely delivery of planting material according to production needs.
•Monitor nursery performance, plant health and quality of planting material. Ability to follow phytosanitary standards to ensure health of plant material.
•Understand how to manage crop performance both quantitative and qualitative.
•Support variety trials and evaluation in coordination with the Breeding team.
•Identify risks related to planting material availability and propose mitigation actions.

Agronomy & Grower Management
•Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers and agricultural partners.
•Provide agronomic support and monitor crops throughout the production cycle, from planting to harvest.
•Monitor acreage, crop development, yields, quality and harvest forecasts.
•Identify agronomic and production risks and proactively recommend corrective actions.
•Support the development of new growers and production areas when required.

Sourcing & Security of Supply
•Contribute to securing agricultural raw material supply in line with Sourcing needs.
•Provide reliable crop and volume forecasts to support sourcing and business planning.
•Understand grower economics and agricultural production costs to support competitive sourcing decisions.
•Provide field insights and recommendations to the Sourcing team.
•Support future agricultural sourcing developments in Turkey and, when relevant, across the Middle East.
Reporting & Communication
•Provide regular and structured reporting on seed production, nursery activities, crop development, forecasts, and supply risks.
•Maintain accurate field and production data.
•Communicate key developments, risks and recommendations to Breeding, Sourcing and other relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Plant Science or related field.
• Relevant experience in field agronomy, seed/planting material production, nursery operations or agricultural sourcing.
• Experience working directly with growers and agricultural partners.
• Good understanding of agricultural supply chains and production economics.
• Autonomous, proactive and hands-on, with strong ownership and problem-solving skills.
• Good business acumen and ability to connect field realities with sourcing priorities.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Fluent in English and Turkish.
• Willing and able to travel frequently within Turkey and, as activities develop, across the Middle East.