Assistant Plant Manger

Gotham Greens•Stevensburg, VA

19h

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. The role is responsible for guiding and managing day-to-day operations at a 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 oversees plant performance across safety, quality, cost, productivity, and distribution; manages Production Supervisors, the Receiver, and hourly employees; and collaborates with plant and growing leadership to operate a productive, cost-effective facility. It supports food safety and quality programs, enforces GAP and GMP standards, maintains quality reporting, and coordinates facility repairs and maintenance. The Assistant Plant Manager also develops and mentors employees, promotes continuous improvement, and ensures employees have the tools, knowledge, and equipment needed to work effectively and safely. Gotham Greens is an urban indoor agriculture and fresh produce company operating a national network of high-tech farms. The company reports operating 500,000 square feet of greenhouses across five U.S. states and having more than 350 full-time team members. It describes its workplace as caring, fun, collaborative, and focused on sustainable urban agriculture. A comprehensive compensation and benefits package is offered.

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, including the 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.
Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
Appreciation for sustainable agriculture and food.

Responsibilities

Oversee overall plant performance, including safety, quality, cost, productivity, and distribution.
Manage direct reports, including Production Supervisors, the Receiver, and hourly employees.
Provide leadership and training, and organize employees.
Collaborate with the Plant Manager and Senior Grower to operate a productive and cost-effective greenhouse facility.
Implement standard operating procedures 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 using SOPs for food safety.
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 transferring employees.
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 perform their jobs effectively and safely.
Promote high performance and continuous improvement, valuing learning and commitment to quality.
Mentor and develop staff through a supportive, collaborative approach; assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and monitor and evaluate results.