An expanding food processor seeks a highly effective leader to oversee multiple fresh-cut production facilities in the West. This role will be instrumental in continuing the company’s growth, largely within the production and operations areas of the business.  Position based in California with travel to Arizona.

A strong leadership background, a diverse skill set with knowledge of multiple job functions, and a comprehensive background in fresh produce and fresh cut processing is critical to the role. A knowledge of basic accounting principles to understand financial reporting (IE) Income statements and balance sheets is needed. General knowledge of food safety is extremely important in this environment. (IE) HACCP, GMP, GAP. Knowledge of Human Resources is helpful to guide employee development and organizational structure as the company moves forward.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with staff to establish procedures, standards, systems and processes.
• Act as a catalyst for change and improvement in performance and quality.
• Develop and maintain operational cost structure.
• Confirm that all food safety requirements are being met and reported accurately to ensure internal and external audits are successful.
• Drive continuous employee development through Human Resources to ensure our employees are prepared to meet future industry demands.
• Maximize production efficiency to meet objectives and growth.
• Record, analyze, and make changes utilizing statistical information.
• Monitor operational and personnel performance.
• Serve as the food safety and quality advocate by demonstrating strong support for quality initiatives. Establish the importance of quality and food safety throughout all production and operations areas of the organization.
• Work successfully with multiple teams, including outside contractors to manage projects from design to implementation.
  
  

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reports To: COO
• Direct Reports: Directors of Operations, Purchasing and Compliance Staff.
• Indirect Reports: Human Resources Managers, IT, Food Safety Staff.
• Oversee daily / weekly schedules and shifts.
• Responsible for monitoring and controlling all costs associated with regional facilities including: facilities, equipment, production, supplies, and transportation.
• Accountable for general management of regional facilities: Production, Quality Assurance, Inventory Control, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Supervision of employees.
• Work closely with the Director of Food Safety to ensure compliance with internal procedures and external third-party audits performed on a regular basis.
• Participate as a member of the companywide product recall team.
• Provide leadership and direction for facility personnel such as: Motivation, Evaluation, Guidance, Employee Relations’ Issues, and Attendance.
• Comply, maintain and enforce all company policies, procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Ensure safety is the cornerstone of the operational facility, characterized by high operator awareness and involvement, and results in zero loss or accidents.
• Assure good housekeeping and organization is in place within the facilities.
• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following, and enforcing standards and procedures.
• Ensure all processes remain compliant with OSHA and other governmental regulations.
• Initiate corrective actions to audit deficiencies.
• Ensure order fulfillment, product traceability, and product quality measures are being met daily.
• Responsible for the training of personnel on proper use of equipment.
• Participate in operational problems resolution.
• Prepare an annual budget and schedule expenditures.
• Ensure preventive / predictive maintenance systems are routinely used to plan / schedule equipment and facility maintenance.
• Develop, implement, enforce and evaluate policies and procedures; follow SOP’s for all manufacturing operations (receiving product, equipment utilization, production, inventory management or shipping).
• Meet or exceed labor budget KPI’s such as labor cost per pound, bags per minute, etc.
• Review and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for payment.
• Minimize shrinkage of product and maximize yield.
• Recruit, select, train, assign, schedule, coach, counsel, and discipline direct reports.
• Communicate job expectations; communicate effectively at staff meetings, conduct employee reviews, etc.
• Manage staff levels, wages, hours, contract labor to revenues.

The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience. Please note that base pay is one important aspect of the total compensation package. The base salary range is expected to be in the $190K - $225K range, but can differ for candidates who are an exceptional fit for the position. The base pay range indicated here does not include any additional benefits or cash bonuses that may be eligible for the position. The company has a very strong health care package for employee and family.

For more information, contact D.J. Stornetta, djs@producecareers.com

Compensation: $190K - $225K approximately