A well-established agriculture company seeks a Ripening Manager for their state-of-the-art facility. Will oversee the ripening program and work closely with sales, supply chain, and production. Responsible for delivering product that meets customer expectations for color and ripening stage. Monitors fruit inventory required to fulfill orders.

Position is based in the Southeast. The hiring company has a strong history, very solid work culture, and a very forward-thinking business mindset. This position is expected to be a part of the company’s growth plans as it expands their ripening program.

* * * NOTE: must have fruit ripening experience to be considered for this position.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work with senior management and cross-functionally across sales, supply chain, and production to manage, plan, execute, and monitor the ripening process.
• Establish and maintain ripening schedules, room monitoring, and adjustments.
• Identify customer orders that require fruit to be pre-conditioned.
• Ensure quality of ripening in terms of customer preferences for color and ripening stage.
• Move fruit in and out of ripening rooms and program the ripening rooms.
• Monitor the progress for the ripening process daily and make the necessary adjustment to the schedule.
• Conduct fruit testing and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor inventory on daily basis.
• Develop and document best practices for fruit ripening and adjust as needed for natural variations in fruit and variations from season to season.
• Assist in servicing and providing technical support to new and existing customers.
• Ensure quality evaluations of incoming and outgoing fruit are carried out and recorded according to requirements.
• Report on unusual fruit, packaging, etc.
• Continually assess the ripening program to drive improvements.
• Provide technical expertise and support to team members and to customers as related to post-harvest handling and ripening.
• Train and advise team members regarding post-harvest handling and ripening practices.
• Conduct informational seminars for internal company divisions and customers.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Position Experience / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory / management experience.
• Specific experience ripening bananas highly preferred. Other commodities may be considered.
• Solid understanding of how fruit conditions, and of fruit quality throughout its lifecycle.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willing and able to work with changing deadlines and shifting priorities.

Competitive salary depending on experience; benefits; and more. For additional information, contact Tami Lister at tlister@producecareers.com