Plant Grow Harvest (PGH) is a vertically integrated, multi-geography seed, fresh, and specialty potato business with operations in five locations across the country and planned expansion in additional regions. PGH also offers in-house supply chain solutions, brokerage, and consulting solutions for major potato businesses across North America. We are backed by institutional capital, positioned for industry-leading growth and seeking additional talent to oversee operational execution and make a substantial early impact on the trajectory of the company.
Arizona Plant Manager Job Description:
As Arizona Plant Manager, you will lead end-to-end processing and shipping execution at PGH’s largest operating location; your performance will have extreme visibility at the executive team and board-levels. You will have a central role in producing one of the highest-value potato crops in the country alongside a team invested in your career growth as an operator and business leader. You will be PGH’s first dedicated hire for this role and thus will have a unique opportunity to make your imprint on the company, take on additional responsibilities early in your employment, and advance in the organization as you demonstrate aptitude. You will report directly to our Chief Operating Officer.
This position will report directly to Jim Corneillie (Chief Operating Officer) and will collaborate closely with David Zaitz (Chief Executive Officer), Ben Zaitz (founder and board member), Peter Keshtkar (Chief Strategy Officer), and Dave Skea (VP of Finance).
Responsibilities:
● Packing Shed Operations
○ Oversight of critical functions including product storage, equipment and facility maintenance, processing, workforce management and scheduling/logistics
○ Ensure that the line is operational during all working hours
○ Maximize efficiency and throughput of the facility - significant P&L and operating expense ownership
■ Ensure outstanding reconciliation of field production and processing functions
○ Oversee all shipping & receiving and trucking logistics, including relevant paperwork
○ Highly detailed inventory management, data collection and entry via supply chain software
○ Oversee and manage the QA and grading team to ensure all orders are packed to specification
○ Direct work with COO on construction/capex management and reporting
○ Food safety compliance
● Systems and Processes
○ Oversee documentation and maintenance of SOPs for all functions described above
○ Supplement best-in-class operational blueprint with technology solutions where appropriate; active participation and value addition to ongoing operational software selection and implementation processes
○ Consistent involvement with finance team on budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting & KPI dashboards; PGH aims to be the most data-driven business in the industry with the fastest feedback loops between operations and financials
○ Implement Continuous Improvement and other employee empowerment initiatives
○ Maintain meticulously organized inventory records and other reports
● Recruiting and Team Building
○ Structure and recruit the optimal team to execute operational goals in the wash & pack facility
○ Build, inspire, and coach an effective operating team that delivers against core goals and standards with clearly defined roles, trajectories, and employee success strategies
○ Design an equitable incentive structure for the team that orients our operating function around our company’s most important goals
Candidate Requirements:
● Elite operational skillset and aptitude in a manufacturing environment and clearly demonstrated
track record of success - preference for produce industry experience
● Comprehensive management skill set, ability to bridge the gap between warehouse and board
room
○ Strong financial management, ability to co-develop and manage to KPIs
○ Process and systems-driven mindset, data-driven decision-making
○ Embrace technology: deep experience learning and taking ownership of reporting, software and other IT systems to support the operation
■ Supply chain / demand planning / production planning systems
■ Communication and project management software
■ Proficiency in Excel
■ Ability to support VP Finance/accounting team in maintaining accurate
accounting information; participate in managerial accounting processes
● Ability to drive multiple projects forward simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-impact environment
● Self-driven, proactive communication in both office and remote working environments
● Excellent listening, clear and concise oral and written communication
● Demonstrated success leading, motivating, and scaling cross-functional teams. Ideally, you have
networks of past colleagues and direct reports who would be instantly interested in working with
you again at PGH
● Energized by building relationships with teammates, operators, and counterparties with diverse
personalities and backgrounds
● Fluency with modern workplace technology, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and WMS;
openness to learn and master a range of additional software products that enhance the business
including supply chain software, various collaboration tools, data visualization tools, etc.
● Willingness to work long hours, nights and weekends when necessary to meet the needs of our
business
Compensation:
● Compensation:
○ Competitive base salary bonus
○ For exceptional candidates, substantial equity in the business or profit-sharing mechanisms
● Benefits:
○ Competitive healthcare, dental care, vision insurance, FSA/HSA plans (more information available upon request)
○ Vehicle
○ Housing/relocation/hiring stipend