Job description
Verdant Horizons is seeking a high-impact Agribusiness Operations Manager to lead end-to-end operations across our farming and distribution network. Based in Salinas, CA, this role drives efficiency, sustainability, and growth for a leading agribusiness.
In this strategic operator role, you will oversee supply chain, production planning, quality assurance, and cross-functional collaboration with agronomists, finance, and sales teams to deliver measurable results.
We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a path for career growth within a fast-scaling agribusiness focused on sustainable farming and responsible innovation.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end operations planning and execution across farming, processing, and distribution channels.
- Oversee supply chain, procurement, logistics, and inventory management to minimize waste and maximize on-time delivery.
- Coordinate production planning, scheduling, and capacity planning aligned with demand forecasts and seasonal cycles.
- Manage budgets, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives; implement data-driven dashboards to track performance.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, food safety standards, traceability, and quality assurance across all sites.
- Build and mentor cross-functional teams; collaborate with agronomy, finance, sales, and IT to unlock growth opportunities.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and customers; manage risk and supplier performance.
- Drive digital transformation and data analytics initiatives, including ERP optimization and process automation.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or MS preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in agribusiness operations, supply chain, or farm-to-fork management.
- Proven leadership and people-management skills; experience scaling teams in a growth environment.
- Strong analytical abilities and data-driven decision making; proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite) and BI tools.
- Knowledge of food safety standards (FSMA, HACCP), traceability, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management capabilities.
- Willingness to travel regionally as needed; adaptable to a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Sustainability-minded with experience implementing climate-smart farming practices is a plus.