GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under strategic direction of the VP of VA Operations, this position manages value added fresh vegetable plant facility in all areas such as production planning, sanitation, supply chain, maintenance, safety, budgeting, personnel planning, cost reporting and financial analysis, productivity and quality improvement.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

•    Establish the leadership and set the strategic and tactical direction for the Springfield team.  Inherent in this are the establishment of the Plant’s mission and the nurturing of a culture that achieves the Plant’s goals and the development of plant personnel and the leadership team.
•    Responsible for the most efficient allocation of resources in the production and warehousing of product in a highly competitive market, producing the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost.
•    Foster a positive culture while acting as a change agent.
•    Establish lean concepts throughout the manufacturing chain.
•    Provide excellent service to the customer by ensuring product availability to meet demand. 
•    Develop and implement strategic operating plans; both near in tactical and long term. 
•    Plans, evaluates and recommends overall strategies for operations in order to meet company goals and objectives. 
•    Monitor key plant metrics on periodic basis and manage plant resources to achieve company goals, to include financial accountability for all Plant operations. 
•    Direct and coordinate the activities of the production, maintenance, sanitation, and supply chain management functions, with overall responsibility for 700 + hourly and 50+ professional employees.
•    Dotted line responsibility to manage Quality Assurance and Finance Managers.
•    Support plant employee safety program to maintain safe working conditions and to deliver safety targets. 
•    Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and standards. 
•    Ensure that the plant is compliant with all Food Safety requirements and successfully protects our customers/consumers.
•    Responsible for developing and implementing the plant operating budget.  Provide monthly forecasts of operating performance. Analyze and forecast plant capital needs.
•    Key contact position at plant for policies, strategic initiatives, and issue resolution. 
•    Follow all Food Safety Requirements and GMPs as applicable to position
•    Ensure the integrity and continued operation of the food safety system in the event of organizational or personnel changes within the company or associated facilities
•    Support special projects and other duties as assigned