Overview of the job's responsibilities and challenges:

We grow the world's BEST Strawberries & our Farm Operations team is a major reason why!

We are seeking a Director of Farm Operations or General Manager of Farm Operations who will oversee and be responsible for the complete operation of our newest and most modern high-tech indoor vertical farm. Reporting to the CFO, you will be responsible for the end-to-end operation, including team development, health & safety, food safety & quality, cost, P&L, plant health, people development and service.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Lead, manage, build, and execute to ensure successful day-to-day operations and efficient scaling of operations with P&L ownership of the facility.
• Ensure all required KPI's are met regarding facility goals on safety, production, quality, and costs.
• Leverage data and maintain systems to collect metrics, and set performance targets.
• Collect & analyze data in order to proactively identify production issues or develop plans to resolve existing issues.
• Plan shift schedules for all production staff and workforce planning to ensure high efficiency & quality.
• Maintain production areas to ensure compliance with company quality, sanitation and food safety standards.
• Implement and drive farm SOPs while Identifying and implementing methods and practices to achieve operational improvements in efficiency, quality, delivery, and operating profits.
• Bring diverse approaches to problems, come up with creative solutions, follow through to implement change and create the frameworks to set new processes up for scale.
• Coach, develop, and train teams (farm operators, farm leadership) creating an environment that aligns with Oishii values, supports career development and adheres to company policies.
• Builds, manages, and leverages internal relationships to ensure collaboration, alignment, issue resolution, and overall improvements to maximize efficiencies and deliver results.

Physical Requirements:

• MUST NOT be allergic to bees

Who will love this job: Individuals who identify with our Core Values and exhibit skills within those values will thrive at Oishii.

One Team, One Fight!

• Ability to quickly shift priorities to meet deadlines and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with purpose.

• Ability to work cross functionally at all levels including across all locations, and collaborate at various levels of the organization with a focus on unifying all functions to deliver exceptional results.

• Ability to lead through others and develop teams with a diverse level of experience to succeed.

Focus.

• Ability to remove obstacles in order to prioritize which could include problem solving, working through ambiguity and using fact based or sound judgment.

• Ability to synthesize information quickly to aid in the troubleshooting process.

GSD (Get Sh** Done!)

• Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset with the tenacity to develop ideas, test and implement them rapidly.

• Capable of prioritizing tasks and considering the resources available when doing so.

• A bias for action! Ability to hold yourself accountable and take ownership of driving results that impact company outcomes.

What we're looking for in a Director of Farm Operations:

• Warehouse logistics and/or production/manufacturing leader with 5+ years of experience running a food operations, CPG operations or consumer goods operation with a focus on automation.
• Demonstrated ability leading and running a complex 24/7 operation.
• Bachelor's degree; BS in Mechanical Engineering would be a plus.
• Tech-forward and data-centric (well versed in warehouse management systems) with proven analytical thinking, project management skills, exceptional organizational abilities, as well as great attention to detail.
• Working experience with food regulators and compliance agencies such as FDA and OSHA.
• Having an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong bias for action, with the tenacity to develop ideas, test and implement them rapidly.

Details:

• Compensation: $125,000 to $140,000 base depending on level & experience plus 20% performance bonus eligibility plus equity
• Benefits: Medical HRA, flexible time off, 401(K)
• Primary Location: Phillipsburg, New Jersey; must be able to travel as necessary to other Oishii Farm locations

Perks at Oishii:

• Competitive salary, bonus, & equity packages
• 401(k) retirement plan
• ICHRA and commuter benefits (FSA)
• Paid Parental leave
• Office social events including happy hours, parties, and community service projects
• Employee activity groups for basketball players, Yoga Enthusiasts, runners…

About Us:

At Oishii, we grow the best berries in the world by deploying ground-breaking vertical farming technology that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. We're the first in the WORLD to grow fruit in an indoor vertical farm at commercial scale. Our proprietary technology enables us to grow the very best produce year-round, at the same high level of quality, all without using any pesticides.

Oishii has been profiled in Eater, NPR, Time Magazine, and Fortune. Oishi was also one of the Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies of 2022. https://www.fastcompany.com/90724410/most-innovative-companies-food-2022

At Oishii, everything we do works toward accomplishing our mission of transforming agriculture sustainably while bringing produce that truly delights people everywhere. This requires farmers, engineers, scientists, product managers, and members of many other backgrounds to work together day-in and day-out to innovate, while operating increasingly large farms. We have an amazing mission-driven team of highly motivated and engaged members.

Learn More https://oishii.com/.