Production Manager - 2nd shift
BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!
At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great-tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.
BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with four new regional salad greenhouse hubs breaking ground to begin opening in 2024. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 3,700 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest.
We are looking for a Production Manager who sincerely cares about improving the environmental impact of the food supply chain. The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about creating a healthier planet. The background and experience of candidates should reflect a true passion for improving the way we feed Americans. We are looking for someone who values the greater good of the organization and wants to succeed collectively. Candidates should be productive, possess a sense of integrity, and care about people and clients, and be strong team players. Our Yorkville, Illinois, farm is our largest greenhouse in Illinois, at around 480,000 square feet. With an annual production of around 6 million pounds of leafy greens, BrightFarms is ensuring fresh greens for Chicagoland communities.
Specifically, you will:
- Supervise greenhouse operations and ensure high performance
- Plan and execute the production schedule, providing supervision and direction to production leads
- Allocate resources to ensure minimum downtime and completion of scheduled activities
- Prioritize and manage workload to ensure assignments address goals and objectives
- Be accountable to KPIs tied to labor expenses and other operating expenses.
- Work on areas of improvement and lead our efforts to be a LEAN organization and will guide us through kaizen activities to improve system efficiencies
- Maintain a neat, orderly, and safe greenhouse facility and operation
- Ensure compliance on all food safety material, food safety best practices, as well as maintaining, monitoring, and verifying all food safety logs
- Assist with the onboarding process of new hires, conducting reviews for associates, ensuring training of associates
- Assist in planning and execution all aspects of the greenhouse management and provide labor and resources to assist as needed
- Work closely with peers to develop good team working relationship and cross shift team relationships
The ideal candidate:
- Has 3-5 years’ experience directly working in food production
- Proficiency with computer operations and programs such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Access or other data tracking systems
- Strong decision-making and troubleshooting skills and methods are essential
Preferred Qualifications:
- A preference will be given to candidates from organizations in perishable food business with a value-added function, such as cutting fruits/vegetables, processing fruits/vegetables, re-packing, etc. But we will consider candidates from any light manufacturing or complex distribution operation. We also look for candidates with basic to medium expertise in growing system in a protected environment
- Food or agriculture industry experience
- Bilingual, English and Spanish
Working conditions / Environment / Travel / Schedule required
Office/Coolers/Warehouse/Greenhouse: Supervisor will have exposure to seasonal conditions which may range from extreme heat and humidity in the summer to cold in the winter. Often working near moving mechanical parts. There will be exposure to cleaning chemicals. The noise level of machines and cooling units can be loud. Time will be divided between field and office related work. Minimal travel will be required.
While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to sometimes use hands to finger, handle or feel. Frequently standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing. The lifting requirements to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. The employee should have clear correctable vision at close and distance range, as well as peripheral vision to notice safety hazards.
Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!
BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
