Job Description:
SunRain Potato Varieties is a division of Potandon Produce in Idaho. In this position, the Director of Operations will be a major contributor to the development of the Sunrain operational plan as a key member of the Management team. This individual will manage the development and execution of the Sunrain operations strategy as it relates to variety development. This person will manage all activities that relate to variety seed development, assist in taking new varieties and Ag/seed opportunities to the business realization phase, and implement the long-term sales plan related to Sunrain.
We offer a generous benefits package and will consider some relocation assistance - to be negotiated.
Position Reports to:
President
Compensation/Salary:
$70,000 -$110,000
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Planning/Financial
- Responsible to assist in business planning relating to variety development.
- Major contributor to the implementation of the Company strategy.
- Contribute to the annual planning and projections.
- Assist in reaching business plan objectives.
- Responsible for all assigned budgets.
- Variety Development
- Negotiate with and develop relationships with seed companies, seed breeders, and research stations, programs that lead to new products that can be added to the Sunrain product line.
- Key player in activities relating to variety development.
- Maintain flexibility to meet changing consumer and fresh/processed produce trade needs.
- Involved in all variety trial programs.
- Determine proper growing areas for seed production.
- Involved in the selection of new varieties.
- Manage growing costs associated with all seed production.
- Work with sales department on all new variety projects to understand trade issues.
- Attend trade shows that are valuable to seed and Ag industry.
- Propose new project ideas to Sunrain senior management.
- Quality Assurance
- Assist in development and approval for all product specs relating to new seed products.
- Make sure proposed new variety products can be produced in a manner to meet all of the food safety rules at Sunrain.
- Sales
- Assist sales activities needed to market seed products.
- Assist in new customer development as requested by sales team.
- Get senior management support for all new products/projects before pursuing.
- Administration
- Develop budgets, monitor spending and approve payments for products, travel and FME expenses.
- Human Resources
- Provide leadership, direction, training and development to all Sunrain employees.
- Approve all salary administration activities relating to subordinates.
- Enforce all HR policies and practices for the operations employees, including all employee manual issues.
- Supervise direct staff as assigned.
Education:
-
B.S. degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Ag Business, or Plant Science preferred.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and computer skills desired.
- Strong managerial skills with the ability to deal with seed companies, seed growers, seed breeders, research stations and University Ag Departments.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, including written and verbal.
Qualifications:
- 5-10 years experience in fresh/processed vegetable production business development management, or variety research development work required.
- Ability to recognize business opportunities and act upon them.
- Team player - results oriented, must be self motivated.
- Ability to manage complete projects from start to finish.
- Ability to develop business plans relating to projects.
- Ability to develop and implement seed production plans.
- Ability to sell seed to general potato producers throughout North America.
Relocation:
Open to Discuss
