Reiter Affiliated Companies is the largest fresh berry supplier in North America. Its performance directly impacts its sole customer Driscoll Strawberry Associates (Driscoll’s). Over the past fifteen years Reiter Affiliated Companies has doubled its business three times, with plans to continue the trend.
The combination of opportunities, vision and ambition has created a company that is constantly looking for the next advantage. RAC has a unique trait; they are not only looking at ways to surpass their competition, but are constantly reflecting on how they can make themselves stronger. With the future looking brighter than ever, RAC looks forward to continuing to lead the way in growing and producing high quality berries year round.
We are currently searching for a Production Manager Jr. in Oxnard, CA.
As the Production Manager Jr. you are directly responsible for all aspects of the production of RAC’s crops from soil preparation through harvest. You’ll develop and lead a team of operational and harvest employees, to include: irrigator, tractor drivers, crew leaders, and harvesters; collectively contributing to the successful production of these crops. You will use horticultural, organizational, and leadership skills to deliver maximum fruit yield and quality results, at the optimum cost, in order to meet RAC’s business and supply objectives.
In addition, you are responsible for creating and fostering an attractive, productive and safe work environment for all regular and seasonal employees; and for developing a “bench” of employees capable of rising successfully through the organization, as RAC’s regional and global operations expand. Lastly, you are responsible for building the production operation “from the ground up”, in support of RAC’s long-term growth objectives for the region.
- BS or MS degree in horticulture or related fields.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in production agriculture with direct berry crop farming experience preferred.
- Valid driver’s license suitable for insurability.
- Able to complete First Aid/First Responder safety training.
- Fluency in English and Spanish highly preferred and knowledge of additional languages maybe useful.
- Knowledge and experience of the farming industry and issues, ideally within the local region.
- Very high level of organizational and time management skills.
- Flexibility in competently juggling competing priorities and changing expectations.
- Travel to RAC offices, meetings and events.
Please submit a cover letter and resume as one document.
Farming
- Lead all aspects of crop production, from land development/soil preparation, through crop maintenance and production.
- Collaborate with appropriate production team to determine best irrigation, fertility, and pest control inputs to produce maximum yields and quality.
- Create and foster a culture of safety, performance and quality.
Production team leadership and development
- Create and lead a team of production and harvest management personnel that is motivated, empowered, and highly skilled in their areas of responsibilities.
- Provide and environment of maximum employee performance, job satisfaction, and career advancement.
Harvest
- Assure an adequate supply of skilled and quality-oriented harvesters.
Business
- Assure maximum financial results.
- Create and utilize operational/financial budgets.
- Manage budget variances.
- Provide periodic financial and production results to management.
Planning
- Develop long-term planting plans in alignment with RAC’s strategic objectives for the PNW region.
Procurement
- Transact and/or facilitate purchase of farm materials as needed.
- Capital purchases in accordance with RAC budgets and guidelines.
Administrative Interaction
- Collaborate with and leverage local and corporate RAC administrative services in support of achieving operational and business objectives.
Marketer Interaction
- Collaborate with marketer on crop planning, forecasting, and any other area that assures a mutually beneficial interface between the two organizations.
