Manager, Production

Job Summary:

The Manager, Production develops and leads the Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC) regional wholly-owned and partnership farming operations in a manner that is technically innovative, strategically oriented, and economically successful. The position is directly responsible for all aspects of the production of RAC’s crops that includes managing a budget and overseeing all day to day operations from ground (soil and/or substrate) preparation through harvest. The position uses horticultural, organizational, and leadership skills to deliver maximum fruit yield and quality results, at the optimum cost, in order to meet RAC’s business, supply objectives and long-term growth objectives for the region.

Job Contributions And Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Develop and manage the long-term planting plans in alignment with Company strategic objectives for the assigned district to include but not limited to, developing long-term substrate plan (acres, ranches, water) where applicable.
• Develop and manage operation/financial budgets and capital expenditures and provide periodic financial and production results to management.
• Assure maximum financials results through improved efficiencies and managing variances.
• Collaborate with Driscoll’s on crop planning, forecasting, and any other area that assures a mutually beneficial interface between the two organizations.
• Lead all aspects of crop production, from land development / soil preparation, through crop maintenance and production.
• Provide periodic financial and production results.
• Manage non-harvest costs.
• Collaborate with and leverage local and corporate administrative services in support of achieving operational and business objectives.
• 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.

Procurement

• Transact and/or facilitate purchase of farm materials, as needed in purchasing required materials.
• Monitor and ensure capital purchases are in accordance with approved budgets and guidelines.

Workforce Management

• Manage a cost-effective team of production and administrative staff that is motivated, empowered, and highly skilled in areas of responsibility.
• Assure an adequate supply of skilled and quality-oriented harvesters
• Oversee management of foreign worker program.
• Provide an environment of maximum employee performance, job satisfaction, and career advancement.
• Ensure workforce is trained and follow all regulatory and Company safety practices.

Other Duties As Assigned

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strategic business and financial acumen
• Farming industry and issues, ideally within local region
• Agronomy
• Analyze data and make qualified judgements on results
• Demonstrate a very high level of professionalism
• Treat others with respect
• Communicate fluently and proficiency (verbal, written, and presentation) in English and Spanish. Knowledge of additional languages maybe useful
• Persuade, guide, influence and negotiate through expertise and when necessary direct action to be taken
• Think strategically
• Lead others
• Manage projects
• Collaborate and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and stakeholders
• Demonstrate very high level of organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate a very high level of customer service orientation
• Competently use Microsoft Office Suite
• Competently juggle competing priorities and changing expectations
• Innovate and share knowledge and best practices

Education Level

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, agriculture, horticulture, plant science or related field or combination of education and experience
• Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) license, preferred
• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) license, preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ of experience in managing production agriculture with direct berry crop farming experience

Years Of Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ of experience in managing production agriculture with direct berry crop farming experience

Licenses

• Valid California Driver’s license and ability to be insured under the company insurance

Languages

• English – Advanced
• Spanish – Intermediate

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel 5 to 10 percent of the time – domestic and international

• 70% of the time will be spent on the farm, with the production and harvest teams, and with crops; 25% on administrative, business, and planning functions; and 5% on travel for interaction with other districts, conferences, etc.

Pay Scale $120,000 – $150,000