Reiter Affiliated Companies is the largest fresh berry supplier in North America. Its performance directly impacts its sole customer Driscoll Strawberry Associates (Driscoll’s). Over the past fifteen years Reiter Affiliated Companies has doubled its business three times, with plans to continue the trend.
The combination of opportunities, vision and ambition has created a company that is constantly looking for the next advantage. RAC has a unique trait; they are not only looking at ways to surpass their competition, but are constantly reflecting on how they can make themselves stronger. With the future looking brighter than ever, RAC looks forward to continuing to lead the way in growing and producing high quality berries year round.
We are currently seeking a dynamic Ranch Manager to join our team in Oxnard, CA.
As the Ranch Manager your primary function is developing and operating RAC’s berry farm operations in a manner that is economically successful, strategically oriented, and technically innovative. You will maintain and develop plans for the farm, directly manage its farming operations, and be responsible for its P&L. You are also responsible for all aspects of RAC’s new farming operations, including overseeing ranch development, managing the ground prep and planting process, hiring and management of operational and harvest labor, and executing day to day cultural growing practices and harvest activities in order to ensure successful crops.
- High School Diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in production agriculture, berry experience preferred.
- Fluency in English and Spanish required.
- Must demonstrate outstanding stewardship and relationship building/management skills to expand the mission of Reiter Affiliated Companies.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including a professional and diplomatic demeanor.
- Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, listening, and presentation.
- Ability to create new and unique ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit a plus.
- Proficient using standard office software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.
- Experience in project management, with skills necessary to interpret what is needed for the success of a project and to create appropriate schedules for timely delivery.
- High level of organizational and time management skills.
- Flexibility in juggling competing priorities and changing expectations.
- Must demonstrate outstanding judgment and mature business skills with the ability to establish a strong rapport with hiring managers.
- Willingness to ask questions rather than just follow directions is required.
- Must demonstrate good judgment and mature business skills.
Please submit a cover letter and resume as one document.
- Manage and supervise, with hands-on involvement, all farming activities, including irrigation system installation and management, land prep, planting, fertilization and pesticide applications, pruning, and harvesting.
- Identify, source, and hire labor; develop and manage crews; ensure proper training; manage performance.
- Learn and implement the latest and best current production practices from within the RAC organization, as well as from university and other outside industry resources; develop and advance knowledge and innovations that deliver competitive advantage.
- Develop and manage operating budgets; assess the capital budget needs; manage costs; and deliver expected profitability.
- Responsible for submission of production data and any required crop information.
- Ensure compliance with all labor laws, prime audits or food safety, company policy and workers safety.
- Responsible for the development of harvesting supervisors for succession plan.
- Participate in weekly and monthly crop statement reviews.
- Continued communication with Driscoll’s to ensure accurate estimates of crops and to deliver high quality to the cooler.
- Maintain a well-organized, clean and safe work environment.
- Travel required between RAC’s various districts; industry conferences; etc. 20% travel
- Performs other duties as assigned.
