BETTERAVIA FARMS

Job Title: Vice President, Operations
Location: Santa Maria, CA, and Yuma, AZ
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Pay Range: $200,000 - $300,000

Betteravia Farms grows, harvests, cools, processes and ships millions of cartons of fresh vegetables to retailers, wholesalers and food service customers throughout the country. We are proud to fully embody and incorporate a true seed to sales approach. Our control of the entire process ensures consistent high quality produce year-round. We are proud of the relationships we have fostered with our customers and vendors over the past 90 years. We are a family oriented company that focuses on achieving excellence through our company values.

The Vice President of Operations is a key role to our executive leadership team. This position will be responsible for Production and harvesting direction for over 30,000 vegetable and berry crop acres.
This position will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with the members of the Senior Leadership Team. This position manages 3 production Directors, 2 Harvesting Directors, the Shop and a fully equipped lab.
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Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, Agronomy or related agricultural or science based field of study with Master’s degree or MBA highly preferred
5+ years’ senior management experience overseeing agricultural programs over a large geographic region with multiple crop sites.
Self-directed individual who can take the lead on issues to identify and implement solutions with team input
Demonstrated strategic management of irrigated crops
Demonstrated financial management experience and budgeting skills
Adaptability to changing situations and have the ability to perform multiple tasks with multiple priorities
Ability o foster accountability, communication, and excellence in employees
Ability to work under pressure and work with all levels of employees
Proficient in the use of Windows based computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint) and a strong aptitude with Software and ERP systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to train and work with operational personnel on the farms
Superior organizational and project management skills and experience leading, developing and managing people
Ability to acquire and hold a California valid driver’s license and successfully pass vehicle insurance verification
Candidates must be eligible to work unrestricted in the U.S. without company sponsorship to be considered for this position
Ability to comprehend, read, write and communicate proficiently in English and Spanish and interact with all levels of the organization

Responsibilities & Duties:
The Operations Vice President will be responsible for structuring and managing multi-site farm operations and developing production and harvesting teams to establish and reach company objectives.
Primary responsibilities include:
Oversee farm budgeting, forecasting and execute production, harvesting and the respective financial objectives
Establish and participate in the development for all personnel
Meet with senior management group periodically to help create and enhance company teamwork and objectives.
Work closely with the Accounting/Finance to review financial performance of the farm operations programs to maximize revenue and improve gross profit margins
Lead, coach and guide all direct reports.
Ensure company policies and procedures are followed by each farm and department (Operations, Safety, HR, etc.)
Attract, retain and motivate farm operations staff
Report and share information with management and corporate executives to ensure they are kept fully informed of regional activities

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to providing managerial oversight on key farm operations, especially:
Work with scheduling Director to assure most efficient and effective ground usage
Oversee lab operations and testing
Develop and execute pest control plans and strategies
Work with ranch managers to advise and help with scheduling and crop management adjustments
Oversee and regulate seed and chemical handling and inventory management
Assure proper and efficient Chemical applications
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) and Profit Sharing