ASSISTANT PLANT MANAGER, SOUTH - COACHELLA, CA

The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for coordinating all Shipping office activities and assisting the Plant Manager in all aspects of the operation in Coachella, Huron and Oxnard locations. Coordinates with the I.T. department on all aspects of the computer systems that relate to Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Receiving & Cooling

• Coordinate with Receiving / Cooling Manager as needed to ensure smooth product flow
• Assist Receiving / Cooling Manager with personnel issues
• Assist Receiving / Cooling Manager to ensure product is properly marked and cooled as quickly as possible after arrival, to meet our quality standards

Inventory

• Oversee the maximum utilization of cold rooms
• Coordinate with Sales & Quality Assurance to keep the rotation current
• Decide and manage off-site cooling and storage when needed
• Investigate and rectify discrepancies between physical & computer inventories

Shipping

• Schedule Shipping Supervisors to ensure complete daily coverage including Sunday’s
• Scheduling of dock & cold room staff
• Ensure that Federal & State inspections are performed when requested by Sales
• Ensure that quality standards are always upheld in all areas of our operation
• Maintain an adequate supply of temperature recorders as requested by Sales
• Assist Plant Manager in hiring & training new personnel
• Assist Plant Manager in annual training of all personnel as to company standards on Food safety, Plant Security, Ammonia, Forklift and First Aid
• Champion and advocate for practical, pragmatic food safety systems to protect the company, employees, customers and consumers of Ocean Mist Farms products
• Ensure that all staff is well groomed and in proper uniform always
• Ensure that customers / drivers are treated with respect

Maintenance

• Coordinate with Maintenance Supervisor on all facility service requirements
• Ensure that facility is kept clean and maintained

Administration

• Ensure that all employees have completed the paperwork as required by Human Resources
• Ensure that all time punches are reviewed accurately and approved for payroll on-time
• Assist Plant Manager in giving Customer Tours
• Assist Plant Manager in cost analysis, budgeting reviews and invoicing
• Review and actively participate in annual Budget process
• Assist with Facility Audits
• Assist with Cross Dock operations when needed
• Assist with Product Recalls of any type
• Ensure that interceptor pump outs are done on schedule
• Ensure that Flow Meter calibrations are done on schedule
• Coordinate with the I.T. department on all aspects of the computer system that relate to Operations
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business or relevant equivalent work experience is highly desired
• Ammonia Safety Certified (A.S.T.I.) is desired or obtain certification within the first year; To include: 32 Hour Class Training Certification, One Plan Certification and annual 8 Hour Refresher Course as Incident Commander
• Requires continuing education for certification as needed for role and other job-related areas
• Minimum 5 years supervisory experience, preferably in the agricultural industry is desired
• Requires 2 years' minimum experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Equivalent Operation
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in agriculture cooling, receiving and shipping operations is preferred
• Working knowledge of Famous, ADP, MS Suite, and other software as utilized in the Cooler environment
• Ability to operate a forklift with a minimum of two years forklift driving experience and certification is required
• Receive and field telephone calls; ability to operate various office equipment, including (not inclusive list): telephone, computer keyboard, photocopy machine, Scanner, fax, proficiency on 10-key calculator by touch, postage meter and other clerical and office equipment
• Ability to manage a project from its initiation to completion with minimal supervision
• Ability to read, write and speak in English / Spanish capacity at a proficient level is desired
• A self-starter, with the ability to multi-task, works independently and ensures delegated tasks are completed with minimal supervision
• Must have excellent interpersonal & communication skills to communicate task and project updates to supervisor and other personnel; keep projects on schedule and organized
• Coordinate work flow effectively, efficiently, and neatly; able to work well under pressure and meet various deadlines
• Discreet handling of all business matters (maintaining confidentiality at all levels is a must)
• Proficient typing and writing skills are required
• Ability to use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar when typing or writing
• Maintain a valid class “C” California driver’s license and be insurable
• Ability to communicate verbally and comprehend verbal instructions; requires sufficient sight and hearing to perform all duties; strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to learn and absorb new duties with minimal repetition; with the ability to carry out defined procedures with specific instructions
• Must possess excellent analytical skills; ability to identify and resolve complex problems
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team; and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, customers and peers
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor during stressful and challenging periods
• Business travel as required; travel to other operations sites (not limited to Coachella, Oxnard, Huron, and Yuma) may be required