Director, Post-Harvest Technology & Operations

SUNKIST GROWERS LLC•Exeter, CA

3d•$160,000 - $199,798

About The Position

The Director, Post-Harvest Technology & Operations leads the strategy, business development, technical programs, and operational execution that drive fruit quality protection, storage performance, and business unit profitability. This role oversees post-harvest systems, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) programs, treatment protocols, quality monitoring, and multi-facility operational alignment while developing a high-performing technical and operational team. The Director partners cross-functionally to ensure data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across all post-harvest functions.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in post-harvest operations, agriculture, or food production
Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Food Science, or related field, or equivalent experience
Demonstrated leadership managing teams, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives.
Deep expertise in post-harvest biology, storage systems, and CA technology
Strong business acumen and financial understanding

Nice To Haves

Current or past, Pest Control Adviser License AND/OR Pesticide Regulation QAL License, strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the enterprise post-harvest strategy aligned with quality, yield, and profitability goals.
Lead long-term planning for storage systems, treatment technologies, and CA programs.
Own departmental budgets, cost control, and ROI analysis.
Lead and support high-quality relationships with customers.
Support annual planning, forecasting, and executive-level performance objectives.
Drive innovation through evaluation and adoption of emerging post-harvest technologies.
Oversee storage plans and regimes for conventional and organic fruit.
Direct CA storage programs and ensure optimal conditions across varieties.
Ensure consistent execution of post-harvest processes from receiving through packing.
Evaluate treatment protocols and adjust strategies based on performance.
Standardize best practices and ensure alignment across all facilities.
Lead and develop a multi-level team of managers, supervisors, and technical staff.
Set clear expectations, accountability measures, and development plans.
Build organizational capability in post-harvest science and quality systems.
Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Establish fruit quality monitoring systems, KPIs, and reporting standards.
Lead sampling programs to assess fruit condition throughout storage.
Analyze data trends and provide actionable insights to improve outcomes.
Serve as an internal expert on post-harvest technology and storage science.
Partner with Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain to align storage strategies with customer and market needs.
Communicate timely, accurate post-harvest performance data to stakeholders.
Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and research organizations.
Ensure effective recordkeeping, reporting, and data integrity.
Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and company standards.
Promote and enforce workplace safety programs.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.