West Coast QC and Operations Manager

Overview of Position:

This role is responsible for managing the day to day operational aspects of the business and inspecting inbound/outbound fruit products ensuring compliance with Company’s standards.
Job Specifications

• Responsible for inspecting all incoming fruit on arrival and periodically while in cold storage facilities. Inspect packaging materials as needed
• Responsible for entering, and updating findings into the internal inspection system
• Complete inspections and quality control reports that accurately describe the quality/condition of the fruit and report to Management
• Investigate and resolve quality and condition related issues in a timely manner
• Implement daily/weekly planning and allocation of products to our customers
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with internal employee/management base and external customers
• Work closely with sales team on product availability
• Coordinate repack as necessary
• Understand customer specs to asssure delivery
• Partner with transportation team on all logistical issues. Arrange transport and book trucks if/as necessary
• Understand market conditions to ensure correct decisions are being made
• Coordinate USDA inspections
• Perform routine quality and condition inspections on existing inventory to assist in first-in, first-out or worst-in, first-out / stock rotation
• Maintain instruments and supplies as needed to meet quality inspection requirements to ensure that company standards are met
• Judgement and discretion required to make decisions on product regarding the commercial value and acceptability in the marketplace
• Understand market conditions to ensure decision making reflects the circumstances
• Work with exporters and growers in maintaining Kopke quality requirements and programs. General reporting as needed
• Work with Grower Relations team as needed
• Frequent domestic travel within California, Arizona, East Coast and other regions as needed
• International travel based on business demands
• Seasonality of the business may require physical presence for extended periods of time

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be capable of working in a fast-paced environment
• Strong demonstrated verbal / written communications, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must be detailed and results oriented
• Statistical analysis experience is preferred
• Operates with integrity and is respectful
• Implementation experience on Food Safety and/or Quality programs is strongly preferred
• PC proficiency in Windows-based applications: Word, Excel, Access (preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (i.e., oral and written)
• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred but not required
• Posses or be able to obtain a TWIC card
• Knowledge of USDA grade standards, methods and techniques
• Flexibility with evening, weekend and holiday shifts
• Unexpired passport/travel document as needed to respond to traveling needs of the business

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural business, food science or other related field from an accredited institution
• 3-4 years prior experience in a similar role
• Experience in the produce industry a must
• Bilingual (Spanish speaking a must)

Internal and External Contacts:

• Interact with all business units to ensure cohesive processes and functions.
• Interact with outside vendors, inspectors, growers, and companies logically and professionally.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Office & cold warehouse environment
• Standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, and crouching
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls
• Lifting and moving of object weighing 15 lbs
• Ability to operate computer
• Ability to communicate to exchange simple to complex information with individuals and groups
• Reasonable accommodations will be evaluated and considered to enable an individual to perform the essential job functions