JOB FILLED - Assistant Plant Manager

The Assistant Plant Manager works closely with the Plant Manager to evaluate, plan, organize, and manage aspects of packing operations, including but not limited to Receiving, Degreening, Fruit Storage, Sorting, Packing, Inventory, Productivity and Financial Performance.  This role will assist with overseeing facility and equipment maintenance and projects, Compliance and Employee leadership and development.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP.  The Assistant Plant Manager, will directly report to and work under the supervision and direction of the Plant Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The essential job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing line of supervisors in charge of packers, graders, and general labor employees for the packing of the fresh products;
• Operating state-of-the-art sorting equipment, time-based production management, and the integration of modern food safety requirements;
• Assisting Plant Manager with all production lines, and packing operations;
• Assisting Plant Manager with compliance to all applicable laws and regulations, resolution of packinghouse deficiencies, breakdowns, preventative maintenance, and improvements;
• Supervising receiving, packing lines, palletizing, inventory, quality assurance, and shipping;
• Supervising operational projects, equipment and machinery fabrications and installations;
• Supervising export plans;
• Communicating and working with Plant Manager and Sales Department to fulfill orders;
• Assisting Plant Manager with daily pack-out estimates;
• Coordinating all packing operations based on orders, daily pack-out estimates, and production requirements;
• Coordinating with truck drivers, brokers, inspectors, buyers, and all other departments;
• Optimizing equality, efficiency, and effectiveness of all packinghouse operations while maintaining a safe work environment for all employees;
• Assisting Plant Manager with annual budgeting, and capital expense goals;
• Assisting with employee safety, food safety, HACCP and GMP programs and audits;
• Providing operational training, mentoring, evaluating and managing employee performance for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness;
• Leading and maintaining a professional relationship with all supervisors, leads and employees for continued success;
• Assisting with strategic and operational planning;
• Assisting with oversight of citrus packing, project management, equipment and machinery design, installation and maintenance;
• Leading the fruit storage, citrus degreening and pre-sort operations;
• Facilitating effective communication with truck drivers, brokers, inspectors, buyers and internal departments;
• Champion positive and effective employee relations, safety, and food safety compliance to reduce the risk of product loss;
• Supporting and coordinating training programs for the development of all employees;
• Ensuring employees are aware of and follow all company policies, practices and procedures;
• Leading compliance efforts with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations from OSHA, EPA, USDA, and FDA;
• Leading all facility staff in the practice of continuous improvement in all departments; and,
• Performing all other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in perishable food products;
• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable area of study or equivalent work experience;
• Possession of a CDL and an acceptable driving record insurable by the company’s insurance provider;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred;
• Proficient decision-making, mathematical, reading, writing, computer, and communication skills;
• Ability to readily adapt to changing requirements;
• Ability to show initiative and commitment to the company’s goals;
• Ability to manage individual workflow effectively and improve processes when necessary;
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a team environment and relate well to others; and,
• Strong commitment to performing and producing at the highest level of quality at all times;

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIIES.

• Strong decision-making, analytical and organizational skills;
• Proficient with programs in the MS Office suite with particular skills in Excel, Word and Outlook;
• Knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP, GMPs, export protocols and Organic Standards;
• Knowledge and experience with receiving, produce fumigation/degreening, packing, and shipping protocols;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written form across all levels of the organization;
• Ability to effectively train, develop, lead and motivate staff for consistent quality and productivity;
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities projects and tasks;
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, work in close proximity to moving equipment, bend stoop, kneel and perform repetitive motion as required to perform the essential duties of the job for long periods at a time; and,
• Ability to work extensive hours, second shift (when necessary), weekends, and to be very flexible to compliment seasonal operations and demands of the job to continue the Company’s success.

COMPENSATION.

• Annual compensation offered is $85,000 to $100,000.