Agriculture Operations Lead

McCain Foods • Othello, WA

284d • $81,600 - $108,900

About The Position

The Agriculture Operations Lead is a developmental position intended to provide breadth and depth of experience that supports a development track for further future career movement in roles of greater responsibility. This role is responsible and accountable for all aspects of potato agricultural operations and supply activities at the local plant site. Using best in class safety principles and talent development, the Agriculture Operations Lead will further develop and build a strong team of agriculture professionals best positioned to meet the current and future requirements of the region & department while making the department an inclusive, diverse and fun workplace. You will support the use and refinement of data systems to ensure successful delivery of breakthrough initiatives and optimal potato raw material value, operational efficiency and consumer winning quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Relevant post-secondary education preferred
• Excellent command of English, both verbal & written
• Relevant working experience, preferably within potato agriculture, manufacturing and/or quality. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years within the potato industry and/or food manufacturing

Nice To Haves

• Strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and nurture strong cross-functional and departmental relationships
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
• Negotiation and relationship management skills
• Proven achievement in prior employment

Responsibilities

• Dotted line responsibility of department Field Representatives, including KPI creation and identifying development areas
• Optimize department processes and create a more proactive approach to annual tasks
• Coordinating sampling efforts (emergence tracking, field samples, storage samples, etc.)
• Lead annual grower improvement plans
• Develop and manage the fiscal year budget in conjunction with the Field Manager
• Lead development, tracking, and realization of yearly SCA, with support from the Field Manager
• Act as primary contact for the NA seed team on regional logistics and planning
• Primary contact for the on-site third-party grading company
• Lead team adoption of digital tools. Responsible for accurate record and essential data keeping in Ag digital programs
• Support the Field Manager on development of yearly potato contracting strategy, including cost of production and contract creation
• Support world-class safety program through implementation of best practices, including representing Ag at plant safety meetings
• Support the Field Manager with internal and customer visits
• Deliver breakthrough initiatives that optimize raw material value, operational efficiency and consumer winning quality
• Work closely with the Raw Planning Manager on crop transition, the long-term variety strategy, and daily production activities
• Manage department audits and standard operating procedures
• Champion regional internal and grower survey action items
• Cover raw scheduling as needed, including weekend rotation
• Other duties, as assigned by the Field Manager

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
• Retirement savings benefits
• Leave support including medical, family and bereavement
• Vacation and holidays
• Company-supported volunteering time
• Mental health resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree