Plant Manager

Employment: Full-Time Regular Status     FLSA Status: Exempt
Company: Sun Pacific Shippers, L.P.     Location: Delano Cold Storage
Enterprise: Delano Cold Storage     Department: Management

SUMMARY. The Plant Manager will oversee the production process at our highest volume cold storage facility, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met. This role involves managing a diverse team, optimizing operations, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP. The Plant Manager will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The following job duties and responsibilities are fundamental to the role:

Cold Storage Operations

• Lead and supervise a staff of managers and supervisors.
• Engage in strategic and operational planning for grape cold storage operations.
• Oversee all grape packing, project management, equipment and machinery design, installation, and maintenance.
• Work closely with harvest, and supply chains to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished products.
• Direct leadership of warehouse and shipping staff to ensure proper product rotation and accurate inventory supply.
• Communicate and coordinate all daily production estimates and requirements to ensure all grape sales demand is met.

Strategic Planning and Collaboration

• Collaborate with executive management to develop and implement long-term strategic goals for the plant.
• Identify opportunities for technology and process innovations that enhance production capabilities.
• Optimize all pack house operations to ensure effective production while maintaining a safe work environment for all Employees.

Financial and Budgeting

• Assist with annual operational and capital budgeting.
• Monitor and control operational costs to minimize risk and maximize profitability.

Employee Development and Relations

• Champion positive and effective employee relations, employee safety, and food safety compliance to reduce the risk of product loss.
• Support and coordinate training programs for the development of all employees.
• Assist in the training, mentoring, and evaluation of employee performance to continually improve operational performance and standards.
• Ensure employees are aware of and follow all company policies, practices, and procedures.

Compliance and Safety

• Lead compliance efforts with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations from OSHA, EPA, USDA, and FDA.
• Promote continuous improvement practices across all departments.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by company management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required,
unless specified otherwise.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Business Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial role within cold storage or food manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of grape handling, storage requirements, and post-harvest quality standards.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, and perform repetitive motions as required for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Starting pay: $125,000 annually