JOB SUMMARY: The US Head of Operations is responsible for managing, planning, budgeting, delegating functions with respect to the farming and processing of the US products and ensures both short and long-term objectives are met. Key responsibilities include operations (planting, harvesting, processing), profitability (sales, inventory mgmt., cost controls, maintenance), administration (human resources, accounting, payroll, IT). Identifies and implements opportunities for improvement. Develops capital projects, provides capital and production cost information, recommends, and leads organizational change, manages projects and processes. Provides leadership, coaching and motivation to develop the management team while ensuring a productive, safe, and quality driven work environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops annual budget. Manages and contains costs in line with approved budget.
- Designs and implements sound business strategy for growing, production, storage, packing, sales, and distribution.
- Assumes responsibility for the ultimate annual profitability of the Rio Vista facility.
- Oversees growing programs to ensure adequate product supply. Works with Sales team to drive and achieve sales targets, while maximizing profitability.
- Ensures equipment is maintained and in safe operating condition on the farm and in the production facility to optimize throughput and achieve maximum effectiveness.
- Liaison with local, regional, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Provides accurate accounting of plant cost and productivity.
- Oversees, directs and manages capital projects.
- Provides a safe and fair working environment for all employees.
- Ensures processes, procedures and training is in place to maximize profitability.
- Monitors internal controls to ensure all product sold is billed, materials purchased are authorized, payroll is correctly issued.
- Responsible for ensuring all safety protocols are followed, including food safety and worker safety.
- Develop and implement strategy to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining a profitable operation.
- Direct oversight of the maintenance of the various sites ensuring equipment is in optimal operational condition.
- Stay up to date with evolving industry trends in growing, technology, food safety, etc.
- Ability to lead by example and foster a harmonious and safe work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS NEEDED:
- Proven ability to lead diverse groups as well as work as part of a cross-functional team.
- Adequate knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, planning, resource allocation, human resources).
- Strong analytical skills to support cost management and process improvement opportunities.
- Working knowledge of financial analysis principles.
- Thorough understanding of manufacturing, quality control, food safety, GMP’s and sanitation.
- Project management experience.
- Exceptional communicator.
- Superior organizational skills; time management, planning, scheduling, and meeting deadlines.
- Strong computer skills
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ten (10) years’ operations management in areas of agriculture, farming, manufacturing, general business, engineering, etc.
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in the following areas: Ag Science, Biology, Plant Science Agronomy, Ag Business/ Economics
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires constant movement and ability to sit and stand for long periods, stand, lift, bend, stoop, reach, climb, and twist.
