Assistant Plant Manger

Gotham Greens•Brandy Station, VA

2d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Plant Manager reports directly to the Plant Manager and works closely with the Head Grower, Production Supervisors, and VP of Operations. This role guides and manages day-to-day operations at the greenhouse facility, including packing and processing leafy greens and herbs, distribution and logistics of finished goods, and overall plant operations. Working with the Plant Manager, the Assistant Plant Manager implements standardized procedures and protocols for staff training and management, inventory, distribution and logistics, sanitation, safety, and compliance. Prior experience in the natural and organic food industry is a plus but is not required. The position is an opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and organized person to join a rapidly growing company focused on the 21st-century food system. Gotham Greens is a pioneer in urban indoor agriculture and a fresh produce and food company. Its national network of local high-tech farms supplies leafy greens, herbs, salad dressings, and pesto dips to retail, restaurant, and foodservice customers year-round. Founded in 2009, the company operates 500,000 square feet of high-tech greenhouses across five U.S. states and has more than 350 full-time team members. The company describes its environment as caring, fun, and collaborative, and offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
4–8 years of relevant experience in plant operations or manufacturing, with proven success.
Strong mentoring and coaching experience with teams having diverse levels of expertise.
Entrepreneurial team player able to multitask.
Superior management skills and ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiating abilities.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Passionate commitment to the company vision.
Appreciation for the principles of sustainable agriculture and food.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the natural and organic food industry is a plus but not required.
Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
Appreciation for sustainable agriculture and food.

Responsibilities

Oversee plant performance, including safety, quality, cost, productivity, and distribution.
Manage direct reports, including Production Supervisors, the Receiver, and hourly employees; provide leadership, training, and organization.
Collaborate with the Plant Manager and Senior Grower to operate a productive and cost-effective greenhouse facility.
Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure adherence to the Food Safety Plan.
Maintain production and packing areas in compliance with company quality, sanitation, and food safety standards.
Coordinate day-to-day repairs and maintenance with the Facility Manager.
Work with the Plant Manager to maintain cost-effective inventory levels.
Communicate with Sales and Marketing to support company growth.
Collaborate with the Plant Manager to oversee the company's quality program and practices.
Ensure compliance standards are consistently met; enforce GAP and GMP requirements and train employees according to food safety SOPs.
Maintain and review quality reports and statistics to ensure consistent, quality finished goods.
Develop and manage an employee training program aligned with company objectives.
Ensure SOPs are followed, improved where applicable, and taught to new hires and employees transferring roles.
Maintain a safe working environment by keeping the facility and equipment in optimal condition and enforcing safe work practices.
Ensure employees have the tools, knowledge, and equipment needed to do their jobs effectively and safely.
Promote a high-performance and continuous-improvement culture that values learning and commitment to quality.
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive, collaborative approach; assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and monitor and evaluate results.