General Manager

A well-established produce grower/shipper/packer is searching for a General Manager to join their team in IL. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and resourceful operation of the facilities to meet current and future organizational needs. The General Manager provides strong leadership, manages staff, and implements strategies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and growth, all while promoting a culture of safety. The General Manager is responsible for the health, safety, wellness, upkeep, and maintenance of the entire business unit, including employees, equipment, structure, and real estate.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations across all departments, ensuring alignment with company goals, budget and objectives.
• Develop and execute short-term and long-term strategic operational objectives.
• Identify, recommend, and implement new processes, technologies, and systems that will improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Manage budgets and ensures efficient & cost effective practices.
• Ensure that operational decisions and project plans for staffing, development, organization, material efficiency, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the company business plan and vision.
• Oversee the allocation of resources, including personnel, materials, and equipment, to ensure efficient operations.
• Provide weekly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting.
• Provide timely budget and forecast updates.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in operations management.
• Identify training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided.
• Mitigate risks associated with warehouse and greenhouse operations and ensure it is regularly and effectively maintained.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company standards, including Occupational Health & Safety, Food Safety, and HACCP.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operational Management, in a related field and position is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Alternatively, candidates with 10 years of relevant experience in a similar leadership role, including budgeting and P&L management, may also be considered.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Health and Safety, Food Safety, HACCP and the PrimusGFS Program
• Knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operations management implementing best practices
• Strong background in strategic planning, resource allocation, and operations management.
• Commitment to high professional ethical standards; an influential leader able to motivate with excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style; exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Analytical thinker: able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Strong organizational and time management abilities that allow projects and goals to be completed on time.
• Proficiency in MS Office, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is considered an asset.
• Must be flexible with work hours as required to meet both customer & business needs, including afterhours and weekends.

Compensation: 130-150K, Discretionary Bonus, Medical Benefits, Relocation Assistance. Please contact Jennifer Mazza, jennifer@producecareers.com