Regional Operations Manager

Position Purpose

To manage, control, and accomplish the operation functions necessary to facilitate, in an economical manner, the processes necessary to bring Great Lakes member blueberries to the point at which they can be marketed to optimize grower returns for both process and fresh berries. This position’s purpose is generally applied to the entire Great Lakes region.

Organizational Relationships

Supervisor: Director, Great Lakes Operations & Safety Assurance

Significant Relationships: Operations staff and management

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Operations Management

• Assist in day–to-day Great Lakes operations include control and coordinating of Great Lakes warehouse managers, controlled atmosphere storage, warehouse hours, pack plan execution and truck scheduling.

• Assist to hire, train, and develop warehouse managers (KCM), forklift drivers, computer operators, and Quality Control personnel to staff Great Lakes locations.

• Work with Director of GL Operations on development of operational and capital budgets, and cost control authority for operations payables. Also assist in capital project cost analysis, planning, and execution.

• Assist in managing Great Lakes employees’ safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, regional/state/federal postings, SDS files, hazard communication programs, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and building and asset security.

2. Fruit Management/Fresh and Process

• Oversee process fruit logistics, assist in fresh fruit logistics, including direct shipments, farm and/or warehouse pick-ups, warehouse consolidation, and storage; dispatch trucks and to move fresh and process blueberries and supplies throughout the Great Lakes region.

• Develop and coordinate overall process pack plan with Director Great Lakes Operations and PFI field staff.

• Communicate and implement pick up schedules with Great Lakes process cross dockers.

• Develop, maintain, and implement lug and pallet programs.

• Assist warehouse managers in controlling inventory of fresh products; maintain FIFO program.

• Assist in the development of seasonal, weekly, and daily production forecasts (in conjunction with Horticulture Manager, field men, Director of GL Operations, Pack Plan Coordinator).

• Communicate daily with Director of GL Operations to determine daily fruit volumes anticipated. Coordinate information with warehouse managers and Director of GL Operations to determine daily fruit handling strategy.

3. Packing Supply Management

• Assist the Manager of Supplies and Logistics in the acquisition and timely delivery of supplies used in conjunction with operations. These include, but are not limited to: CA supplies, fresh packing supplies, and warehouse supplies.

4. Quality Assurance and Food Safety

• Assist and maintain food safety and worker safety.

• Assist Director of GL Operations in maintenance and compliance of worker safety standards and requirements, as well as fresh fruit safety and security initiatives.

• Assist Food Safety Manager with the third-party food safety/security audits with fresh fruit packers and distribution centers.

• Monitor and verify MBG process cross dock fruit grading.

5. Warehouse and Facility Management

• Assist the Director of GL Operations with the repair and maintenance of Great Lakes warehouse facilities (pre and post season), refrigeration, vehicles, forklifts, and crate making machines.

• Advise Director of GL Operations on staff planning, equipment, and supply needs.

6. Communication and Producer Relations

• Assist with Great Lakes producer meetings and direct Member and Executive Support Manager’s scheduling and notification details.

• Assist Director of GL Operations in development of member education efforts and producer leadership programs.

• Educate and inform existing and potential producers about MBG, its operations policies, sales agreements, and membership requirements.

• Assist in maintaining good grower relationships in all areas and build trust within the operations group.

Quantitative Data/Job Dimensions

1. Manage an operating budget with the Director of GL Operations.

2. Handle 20M lbs. pounds of fresh and process fruit through 4 Great Lakes receiving warehouses.

3. Coordinate the fresh and process pack plan.

1. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field strongly preferred.

2. At least five years’ experience in production agriculture, fruit production, warehousing, logistics, or other operations functions.

3. At least five years’ experience in personnel management or other supervisory capacity.

4. Ability to operate Microsoft Office applications as well as e-mail and Internet usage.

5. Ability to function as a team player and to work in a professional, confidential manner.

6. Sound prioritization, time management, and common-sense skills are essential; attention to detail is required.

7. Ability to work with a variety of people and to handle stressful situations calmly.

8. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills essential.

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, permanent status, exempt status.