With approximately 30,000 acres in California, Sun Pacific is the largest grower/shipper of navel oranges in the world, the largest grower/shipper of kiwi in North America, the 2nd largest grower/shipper of mandarins in North America, the largest tomato grower in California and renown for high quality table grapes. Our core focus is on farming, providing us with deep expertise in every aspect of growing these crops, including all cultural aspects, pest control, irrigation technologies and specialized equipment use, all tied together with sophisticated information systems.
We are seeking an Operations Manager for our Cuties® packing facility, located minutes south of Bakersfield, CA. Will work closely with the general manager to evaluate, plan, organize and manage all aspects of packing operations, including but not limited to receiving, de-greening, sorting/grading, packing, coordination with sales, inventory, shipping, budgeting, overseeing facility and equipment maintenance and projects, compliance, and employee leadership and development.
- Supervise up to Company and contract employees and supervisory team for all operations
- Assist with strategic and operational planning
- Assist with overseeing all citrus packing, operational projects, equipment and machinery fabrications, installations, and maintenance
- Communicate, coordinate and fulfill all citrus sales (domestic/export,) daily pack-out estimates and production requirements
- Ensure effective coordination with truck drivers, brokers, inspectors, buyers, and all other departments
- Optimize quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of all packinghouse operations while maintain a safe work environment for all employees
- Assist with annual budgeting, and in establishing and meeting capital expense goals
- Champion positive, effective and compliant employee relations and labor relations, employee safety, food safety, HACCP and GMP programs, and compliance audits to reduce risk of loss and avoid restrictions for sale and shipment of product
- Coordinate and support operational training and development for employees
- Evaluate and maintain employee performance for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness
- Lead and maintain a professional relationship with management and administrative representatives, your supervisory staff, leads and employees for continued success
- Ensure employees are following all Company policies, procedures, and practices/protocols
- Ensure compliance with all State, and Federal OSHA, EPA, USDA, food safety, CCOF Organics and all other applicable laws and regulations
- Lead proactively for resolution of packinghouse deficiencies, breakdowns, preventative maintenance, and improvements
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by management
- Proficient decision-making, mathematical, reading, writing, and communication skills at all levels within the organization, including Spanish-speaking employees
- Effective and proficient with MS Office, including Excel data/spreadsheet analysis and reporting
- Knowledge in food safety, HACCP, GMPs, CCOF (Organics)
- Knowledge and experience with receiving, produce fumigation/degreening, packing, shipping, export and related protocols
- Ability to train, develop, lead, and motivate all employees for consistent peak and quality productivity
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities, projects and tasks
- Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, work in close proximity to moving equipment, bend, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive motion as required to perform the essential duties of the job for long periods at a time
- Ability to work extensive hours, second shift (when necessary), weekends, and be very flexible to compliment seasonal operations and demands of the job to continue the Company’s success
- 5+ years’ experience in packing operations, preferably perishable product
- Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field of study, or equivalent work experience
- Possession of a CDL and an acceptable driving record insurable by the Company’s insurance policy
