Be part of our California innovation in water conversation and hydroponic growing – the future of protected agriculture.
SunSelect is a progressive family operated greenhouse company with locations in British Columbia and California. We produce some of the best greenhouse grown bell peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers in the world. Our newly built, state of the art 64-acre hydroponic greenhouse located in Tehachapi, CA is in the forefront of agriculture technology.
We have an exciting opportunity at our newly built hydroponic greenhouse in Tehachapi, CA for a Senior Vice President of Operations - California.
As the Senior Vice President of Operations – California you will be part of growing our new facility from its current size to 128 acres of greenhouse production. You will also be a part of the executive team, participating in growth strategies and innovation in agriculture. You are responsible for the overall management and operations, which includes managing over 400 employees, elite hydroponic growers, harvesting, pack house management and distribution.
The ideal candidate will have business and agriculture graduate level education, experience in fresh produce and be excited with new challenges. They will be able to work independently and collaboratively performing multiple-level projects in conjunction with daily activities. They will be organized, labor-efficiency-minded, a team player and have excellent communications skills.
If you are hard-working and self-motivated we encourage you to apply.
- Graduate degree in Agriculture and Business.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience required in the area of fresh/perishables with a preference to agriculture and business.
- Experience in senior management role, specifically managing budget performance.
- Experience in a fast-paced, large volume environment with strong focus on meeting/exceeding measurable metrics.
- Proven leadership skills.
- Demonstrated track record of driving a culture of productivity and process improvement.
- Experience with LEAN systems and a track record of efficiency improvement is an asset.
- Excellent and effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, & Outlook) and must possess a general ability to adapt to new software.
- Bilingual English-Spanish is an asset.
- Relocation to Tehachapi, CA.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally (Canada), as job requires.
- Responsible for overall greenhouse and packing house management and supervision.
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Ensure an operational standard of excellence in all key business areas including:
- Leadership
- Production handling
- Labor management
- Energy management
- Comprehensive management reporting
- Responsible for financial management for the site, including P&L oversight, cost control, proactive reporting, risk management and the annual operating budget working together with the CFO.
- Work closely with sales staff, including SVP Sales and Marketing, to manage packing and distribution requirements and collaborate and share best practices with operation teams in other locations owned and operated by SunSelect.
- Develop, maintain and communicate operational goals and objectives for the site that are aligned with the SunSelect business strategy.
- Head up crew management, supervising, performance management and development.
- Oversee the recruitment, new hire and training process for the site.
- Manage and foster strong relationships with key external suppliers.
- Champion a culture of workplace safety.
- Develop and implement programs for safety & security, equipment preventative maintenance, and building/grounds maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and other regulatory programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
