Field Operations Manager

The Jealous Fruits Field Operations Manager is an integral part of the Field Team and overall commercial success of Jealous Fruits. Responsible for working with Field team on creating a proactive plan of identifying areas of concern and constructively working with the team on implementing the agreed plan of action that will help deliver the company goals and the quality fruits while following the company standards.

Under the direction of the VP, Orchards Operations, the Field Operations Manager will be responsible for working with the Farm Managers on harvest preparation needs; creating an efficient equipment maintenance and purchasing system; be instrumental in working with Farm Managers on creating and implementing farm specific health and safety standards and training programs and   leading their team members to achieve personal and company goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Management

• Build and lead a highly effective and efficient Orchard support team
• Create an environment of success and innovation
• Collaborate with Orchard Managers to provide input and direction on key business functions 

Harvest

• Leads the harvest organization and logistics
• Farm managers go to person for operational needs with regards to harvest: equipment, trucking schedule, distribution of harvest plan
• Efficient utilization of the staff levels during harvest.

Training Program

• Assess the department’s training material and identifies training needs for Field team.
• Support in the review of the existing and development of new training and SOP for Field team.
• Record Keeping – ensures sure that all training records for farm team are properly recorded and maintained.

Health and Safety

• Working with the Farm Managers to create and improve policies and procedures that are relevant to each farm.
• Maintains strong communication with the Field team, Food, Health and Environmental Safety Advisor and People Operations team regarding health and safety issues and areas of improvement.
• Ensure that all Farms are equipped with everything they need, and they are always following First Aid rules and regulations.
• In full season, coordinates the needs of hiring seasonal nurses and ambulances at each farm location based on the number of works and WSBC regulations. 

Organization and Logistics

• Organize and keep track of the spray inventory and the delivery logistics.
• Work closely with the Farm Managers and determine each of their needs and organize delivery.
• Work closely with the Field team to understand their operational needs, areas of improvement and organize support as required.
• Assist with technical support as needed.

Equipment and fleet management

• Collecting requirements and requests and helping prioritize them.
• Communication and point of contact for Farm Manager for equipment maintenance and purchasing needs.
• Dealing with suppliers, research of ideas and sourcing.
• Organizing receiving and distribution of deliveries.
• Tracking of equipment maintenance and record keeping.
• Maximizing resource allocation through decision making and monitoring to ensure company financial goals are achieved

Facilities management

• Oversee facilities staffing.
• Development and implementation of annual budget
• Ensures facilities compliance with local regulations.
• New facilities project management.
• Lead integrated purchasing program for facilities.

Organization and Communication

• Collaborate with other key stake holder to create an environment of teamwork
• Foster an environment of sharing best practice and identifying potential issues enabling the company to continue to change and expand
• Maintaining a positive environment that is conducive to the company’s success

Competencies:

• Quality Focus: continuously paying attention to the details that deliver a quality product.  This heightens the importance of continual improvement and learning.
• Commercial Mindset: understanding the business and its problems to be able to actively effect positive results.  Incorporate a commercial mindset into every major decision made.
• Cultivates Innovation: taking initiative to look for more efficient ways to work, more effective techniques, and supporting ongoing trials while embracing a mindset of continual improvement. 
• Develops Talent: ability to develop a team that meets both individual career goals as well as Jealous Fruits goals. 
• Situational Adaptability: monitor and adjust accordingly to the always changing agricultural landscape. Remaining flexible and being able to act as no two seasons are exactly alike.
• Courage: actively stepping out of the “comfort zone” and addressing tough situations head-on to constructively resolve them.  Saying what needs to be said at the right time, to the right person, in the manner to effect change.

Specific Skills: 

• Very effective organizational, problem-solving, project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Strong time management skills.
• Class 5 driver’s license, and clean drivers abstract

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of machinery and safe operating procedures
• Knowledge of WorkSafe BC Regulations and Occupational Health and Safety

Accountability: 

• Accountable for the overall implementation of safe standards and practices in the field.
• Accountable for support and execution of the Jealous Fruits field training program to promote the company farming and horticultural practices
• Work hand in hand with the Health and Safety team to ensure the health and safety of all persons on their orchards.

Our working environment is extremely challenging over a short period of time. Applicants should be aware that this is a farming environment, and days off may be limited during our growing and packing season.

• Work hours are not calendar based but are dependent on crop maturity and weather.
• Work hours are generally up to 60 hours per week (during peak season).
• This position is considered a management level position. Overtime provisions do not apply.
• The candidate must have the ability to work well with people of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
• Direct reports: logistics operators, field support crew, facilities maintenance manager, equipment contract mechanic.
• This position will be year-round, however from late November to early February hours will be reduced.

Anyone who can legally work in Canada can apply for this job. If you are not currently authorized to work in Canada, the employer will not consider your job application.