AeroFarms is looking for an experienced and talented Lead Grower-Growing Manager to lead growing operations in our new state-of-the-art facility in Newark, NJ to serve the NY Metro Area. This position will be responsible for all aspects of seeding, germination, and growing. You will be held accountable for yields and quality in collaboration with Director of Food Safety and the Farm Manager. You will be the onsite growing expert called upon for training, problem solving, and plant health monitoring.
In this role, you will help provide leadership for the facility by working with cross-functional teams to ensure that long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies are followed. You should be an experienced leader with a strong background in the growing of produce.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate experience implementing new processes and/or facility startup. He/she will be an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high standards and good judgment. In addition, our organization values individuals who can lead by example and keep focus in a team-centered environment.
- 4-year degree in Horticulture or a closely related discipline
- Minimum five years of experience in a leadership role in protected agriculture with a demonstrated history of success with progressive team management
- Ability to manage change in a fast-paced growth environment with interdependent teams
- Strong computer skills
- Lead and be accountable for growing operations
- Manage all aspect of the growing activities: crop nutrition, health, and yield
- Schedules for seeding and harvesting to meet sales requirements
- IPM activities
- Developing and maintaining processes for growing activities
- Develop and implement growing procedures
- Use data to recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, yield, and quality
- Ensure effective and ongoing compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, and Quality Control procedures
- Ensure quality of all products, and compliance with product specifications
- Recruit, train, mentor and motivate the farming team
- Lead continuous improvement programs to improve operating efficiencies, increase learning and develop new skills
- Manage growing conditions and nutrient mixes for optimal yield and quality
- Collaborate with engineering and other disciplines to develop future generations of growing equipment
- Train employees in horticultural techniques including seeding, germinating and growing
- Prepare and meet budgets
