Plant Manager

Lockwood Seed & Grain is a commercial seed supplier with our primary operation based out of Chowchilla, CA strategically located in the Central Valley. Our company is a leading distributor of the highest-yielding, premium-quality seed products, while delivering unparalleled customer service in the industry. Our guiding principle, "Feeding Cows is our business," reflects our deep understanding of the needs of agricultural producers in the West. We are a subsidiary of A.L. Gilbert, in continued business since 1892 offering a strong presence in the market. 

Job Description

We are seeking a self-motivated, highly organized Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of our production operations. This critical position is responsible for the management of all warehouse activities including storage, processing & distribution. The ideal candidate will take ownership of the warehouse, inventory, and employee management with an emphasis on production efficiency, workplace safety & quality control. This role requires an individual with strong leadership skills and the ability to work under pressure. 

The Plant Manager will play a crucial role in streamlining operations adapting to seasonal workflows. This position requires the ability to collaborate with various departments to enhance operational practices. The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of inventory management and warehouse operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all warehouse activities, including shipping, receiving and inventory management
• Coordinate and schedule all warehouse activities
• Responsible for direct oversight of inventory accuracy, compliance and quality control
• Prioritize operational workflow adjusting to seasonal demands, manage labor scheduling relative to assigned workflow
• Oversee seed processing operations
• Maintain daily inspections on any equipment under warehouse supervision
• Conduct routine audits of raw material inventory to ensure continuous workflow
• Implement best practices in warehouse management to improve efficiencies throughout the production cycle
• Collaborate with the management to meet the overall company goals

Requirements:

• Ability to work weekends with flexible schedule to support seasonal peaks
• Able to speak both English and Spanish
• Proven managerial experience with operations, inventory control and warehouse management
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational skills, including establishment of priorities and commitment to deadlines
• Ability to operate equipment, valid California driver’s license

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5+ years’ operational management experience
• Experience with inventory management systems (e.g. Access)
• Mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of warehouse equipment
• General maintenance experience
• Excellent written and verbal English/Spanish language skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suites (e.g. Office, Word, Excell, etc.)

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions
• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• There may be additional responsibilities that are not noted above

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: DOE
Benefits:

• Health and dental insurance
• Company supplied life insurance
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing plan
• All subject to standard probation periods