Greenhouse Operations Manager

Iron Ox is re-imagining the modern farm, utilizing robotics and AI to grow fresh, consistent, and responsibly farmed produce for everyone. Our experienced team of growers, plant scientists, engineers, and innovators are passionate about deeply understanding and developing this new wave of technology to feed an ever-growing population. Iron Ox is a well-funded startup backed by Y Combinator, headquartered in San Carlos, CA with greenhouse production in Gilroy, CA.

We are looking for an experienced operations manager that will help us manage production execution at our commercial greenhouse in Gilroy, CA. The Greenhouse Operations Manager will directly manage the workforce of the greenhouse to achieve company objectives, including hiring, firing, labor planning and labor reporting.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated the ability to achieve production targets while controlling costs, achieving quality standards, and continuously improving execution processes. Candidates must have a holistic understanding of the many factors that affect production operations and be prepared to think out of the box when solving problems. The ideal production manager is a motivated, organized individual with a passion for agriculture, leadership, and innovation.

Requirements – Education and Experience

• • Must have 5-10 years’ experience directly managing individuals working on production lines
  • Must be fluent in English and Spanish
  • Will have 5+ years’ experience in hiring, terminating, promoting and leading hourly employees
  • Candidates should have experience in leading continuous improvement minded organizations
  • Candidates should have experience in perishable food production or greenhouse production environments
  • Demonstrated efficiency, productivity, attention to detail, accuracy, and results orientated

Requirements – Physical Demands

• • Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. regularly, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Ability to bend at the waist, crouch, stoop, squat, and kneel

Requirements – Work Environment

• • Ability to work in greenhouse conditions, a wide range of temperatures, humidity, and sunlight
  • Strong odors from machinery, sanitizers, isopropyl alcohol, or bleach
  • Occasional loud noises from machinery

Duties and Responsibilities

• • Accountable for revenue, operating expenses, quality control and daily operation of the facility including production, planning and reporting, labor management, and balancing inputs and demand
  • Responsible to develop and train direct labor on protocols and standard procedures
  • Manages day to day operations of the greenhouse including staffing, scheduling of direct labor, activities, and inventory control
  • Work closely with the Grow and Engineering teams to develop strategies to achieve the mission and lead the greenhouse team in execution of those strategies
  • Manages and evaluates job performance of direct labor staff on a continual basis and recognize achievements and correct/address deficiencies or problems
  • Responsible for maintaining a neat, orderly and safe greenhouse facility and operation including directing the repair and preventative maintenance of the facility
  • Nurtures a work culture environment that promotes open, frequent, and dynamic communication and promotes teamwork to accomplish goals and objectives
  • Accountable for coordinating deliveries and finished good supply chain with the Sales Team
  • Ensure compliance to food safety, worker safety, and OSHA policies

Nice to haves

• • Experience with automated environmental control systems is a plus
  • Interest in the farming, food and robotics industries and love the fun of the startup environment and its culture

Benefits

• • Iron Ox is a small startup with big dreams.  You’ll be a part of a team founded on transparency, creativity, and impact on our mission to feed people
  • We’re a tight-knit group that likes to work hard while also having fun with company outings and team events
  • We offer medical, dental and vision