Operations Manager, C Shift (Days)

AeroFarms is looking to hire an Operations Manager, C Shift, as part of our Plant Leadership Team in Danville Virginia.

The world needs our help. Today 8 billion people live on the planet with less arable land than ever before. We need a solution to cultivate more using less and define the future of farming for generations to come.  

AeroFarms is part of that solution, transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we use our proprietary technology to grow produce using up to 95% less water and no pesticides ever. The result is a portfolio of products that burst with flavor, taste, and nutritional value. Leading the industry, AeroFarms has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies five years in a row, topped Fortune Magazine’s 2022 Change the World Company List, and was recognized as one of the 95 “Brands The Matter” by Fast Company.  

Now in over 1,000 stores across the United States, we are scaling our award-winning brand and technology around the world. As AeroFarms approaches our next phase of explosive growth, we seek passionate and motivated individuals to join our team. If a group of 300 intellectually curious coworkers, expansive global operations, and our change-the-world mission resonates with you, apply today. Learn more about AeroFarms and join us to change the world as we grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. 

Reports to:

Plant Manager – Danville

Primary Stakeholders :

Operations Managers across shifts, Food Safety & Quality Assurance Department, Site Safety Team, Growing Team, Engineering, Maintenance, Customer Logistics & Demand Planning, COO etc

About this role:

Part of the Plant Leadership Team, this role is an integral leadership role at the flagship vertical farm site in Danville Virginia.

The facility is operational, 24/7 (4 shifts, A/C – Days, B/D, nights) with further ramping activities to meet new customer production targets. Continuous improvement ongoing to optimize first of its kind equipment.

What you will do / Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to upwards of 50 staff and contractors on Day shift.
• Assist the Plant Manager, Lead Grower, Harvest/Pack Manager, and Shipping/Safety Supervisors in implementing operational, food safety, safety, and sanitation procedures and programs to comply with local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Help develop and revise SOP’s to drive continuous improvement with a focus on Lean Manufacturing practices.
• Ensure employees are onboarded and trained effectively in the operation with support from other internal stakeholders (Training, HR, Operations, FSQA, Safety etc)
• You will become an expert in all the machinery and equipment, able to support Team Leads and Technicians with issues as and when they occur.
• Validate employee work assignments for their daily jobs according to the daily production schedule.  
• Inspect and monitor; ensure employees do their jobs according to the company-approved SOP's.
• Validate employee work assignments for their daily jobs according to the daily production schedule.  
• Ensure all preventive controls, operating procedures, cleaning and sanitizing tasks according to master cleaning schedules, SOP’s, monitor progress, and ensure Sanitation Supervisor sanitation master cleaning schedule is up to date.
• Conduct impromptu internal facility inspections with the food safety team to mirror regulatory inspections; prepare written reports of findings and make recommendations for corrective or preventive measures. 
• Coordinate with maintenance any job required to keep the deep cleaning schedules up to date.
• Coordinate with maintenance and preventive maintenance/sanitation required after repairs are completed to ensure safe food production.
• Ensure all employees follow proper GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) and proper safety procedures while performing sanitation work.
• Evaluate employees on their performance and apply company-approved disciplinary actions when needed (e.g., when employees do not follow safety or sanitation procedures).
• Communicate with Plant Manager when support is not readily given by another department when facility deviations occur.
• Assists, plan, and implement safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Advise Food Safety & Quality Director on safety compliance concerns and

Core Requirements/Skills

• 5 years experience in a manufacturing leadership role with 40 direct & indirect reports.
• Experience in fast paced, regulated industry subject to audit
• Experience in operations: you will need to be able to able to run equipment in the facility when needed
• Strong leadership skills, able to provide coaching and training in a positive and effective manner, leading by example, able to coach and mentor others.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal)
• Knowledge and understanding of OSHA and GMP guidelines
• Ability to work rotating 2/2/3 schedule with alternating weekends, 12 hour shifts
• Able to work in both warm and cold environments

Bonus Requirements/Skills

• Experience in food and beverage manufacturing
• Experience with SQF / Food safety specific audit
• Familiar with start up of a new facility

Summary of Benefits:

Base salary, annual company/performance bonus, eligible for equity, matching 401k with no vesting period, 4 weeks of vacation/sick time/PTO, group health plan including medical, dental, vision etc

*Please note that AeroFarms does not work with any external staffing/recruitment vendors. Any unsolicited resumes shared with the AeroFarms team will be considered property of AeroFarms and no recruitment fees of any kind will be paid or owed unless an existing recruitment agreement exists alongside with specific engagement for the role in question.