Southern Hill Farms is a family owned blueberry u-pick farm situated on 40 acres in Clermont, FL. We currently have 11 varieties of blueberry bushes on our 40 acres that are all traditionally the best in Central Florida and are at their peak ripeness in April and May. All of these varieties offer different, distinct tastes and textures. Our blueberry farm is GAP Certified, which means that we hold ourselves to the most stringent food safety regulations in the world.
We are currently searching for a Blueberry Packinghouse General Manager in Tavares, FL.
As the Blueberry Packinghouse General Manager you will be in charge of Naturally Fresh Foods’ Blueberry Packinghouse and will plan and ensure the implementation of the packing and shipping operation during Florida’s blueberry harvest.
You will be responsible for seasonal labor, recordkeeping, developing budgets, tracking inventory, maintaining equipment, food safety compliance and maintaining good relations with growers and marketers.
This is a hands-on position requiring direct oversight of labor management, product growth, packaging, and distribution. You will be results driven, comfortable rolling up their sleeve, and capable of interacting with individuals at all levels of the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree or 4 years relevant related experience in packinghouse or manufacturing process with proven success.
- Speaks English/Spanish.
- Successful leadership in early stage start-ups or other rapid growth environments.
- High attention to detail and highly organized.
- Strong knowledge of MS office platforms.
- Superior analytical, problem solving, verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
- Adjusts to changing conditions and willingness to work weekends, holidays during season.
- Drive, lead and manage implementation of Food Safety Compliance through Primus GFS audits and day to day management.
- Ability to manage crew with an emphasis on efficiency throughout the packing season.
- Manages day to day operations of product and packing quality, inventory control, cost, productivity, distribution, and safety.
- Gives work direction, resolves problems, and sets deadlines to ensure timely completion of daily tasks.
- Oversee current and future expansions.
- Negotiates vendor pricing for supplies and related contracts.
- Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
- Ability and willingness to work extended hours/weekends during the harvest season.
- The General Manager reports directly to the Owners of the company.
The Ideal candidate is passionate about agriculture and embraces Naturally Fresh Foods’ core values and mission. This is an opportunity for a driven hands-on individual to assume a management position at a rapidly growing, innovative and focused company in Florida’s growing blueberry industry.
