Fish Company Manager

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa • Red Cliff, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fish Company Manager leads the operations and fiscal health of the Red Cliff Fish Company, a Tribally owned and operated business managing the supply chain from harvesting and fishing through processing, shipping, and distribution. The Manager works under the direction of Tribal Administration and the Treaty Natural Resources Division Administrator and collaborates with internal and external partners to carry out the company’s business strategies, growth plans, and mission. Relevant management experience in retail, service, or manufacturing, and/or an educational background in business administration or food science, is helpful; experience need not be specific to the fish industry.

This regular, full-time, exempt position supervises the facility’s daily staff activities, typically overseeing 3–5 individuals. The role combines office work with work on the processing floor and storefront, and includes travel for deliveries, shipping, prospecting, market development, meetings, and training. Hours are variable; occasional work over 40 hours per week may occur during high-volume periods because of the seasonal nature of the fishery. The Manager may also assist with processing, sanitation, maintenance, packaging, and order delivery as needed.

Requirements

• An associate degree in Business Administration, Fisheries Management, or Food Science is preferred, not stated as mandatory.
• HACCP certification is required, or the ability to obtain it within a predefined period, depending on training availability; training costs are covered.
• Preferred three years of experience as a department manager in manufacturing and procurement in a food-processing environment, or comparable experience.
• Excellent working knowledge of finance and accounting, including the ability to read, interpret, and explain a Profit & Loss statement.
• A valid driver’s license and maintenance of driver eligibility are required conditions of employment.
• Must be eligible for inclusion on the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be willing to obtain a CDL license.
• Ability to maintain professional communications with internal and external partners.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Ojibwe culture and traditions.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in cold temperatures, walk frequently, and handle, lift, and maneuver weights up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to drive for multiple hours at a time and travel for deliveries, meetings, and training.
• Ability to work variable hours, including occasional hours beyond 40 per week during high-volume periods.
• Successful applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and background investigation; employees have a continuing obligation to report subsequent convictions.
• Required application materials include a completed Tribal Application with work history and references, Tribal Background Investigation Disclosure, Consent to Release Liability and Reference Information Form, resume, and applicable post-secondary transcripts or certifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in retail, service, or manufacturing management, and/or an educational background in business administration or food science.
• Prior education and experience specific to the fish industry are helpful but not required.
• Associate degree in Business Administration, Fisheries Management, or Food Science.
• At least three years of department management experience in manufacturing and procurement in a food-processing environment, or comparable experience.
• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software.
• Prior food or fish production or purchasing management experience.
• Personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle coverage.
• Potential eligibility for an incentive program, depending on qualifications and performance during the probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Represent and carry out the Red Cliff Fish Company’s mission and align cross-functional teams around its strategic plan and business model.
• Lead the business, develop growth plans, and manage operating plans to meet or exceed business and net-income objectives.
• Develop and revise employee, financial, and operational policies, procedures, and handbooks as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and permits, including submitting applications, reports, and renewals.
• Set financial strategies and objectives; prepare business projections, assess budget assumptions, and adjust plans as appropriate.
• Manage facility expenses, capital expenditures, annual planning, budgets, profits, and efficient use of materials, equipment, and personnel.
• Coordinate with the Management Team, Tribal Administration, and assigned Tribal staff to direct efficient operations and use of sustainable resources.
• Oversee production processes and schedules to coordinate fish supply and processing for optimal revenue, income, and return on investment.
• Develop and execute procurement plans for fish from the fishing fleet and communicate regularly with fishermen.
• Oversee retail storefront procedures, including stocking, inventory, merchandising, point-of-sale operations, customer service, and transaction processing in accordance with cash-handling policies and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain appropriate HACCP certification, protocols, and documentation.
• Conduct sales and marketing activities; maintain product inventory and web sales; and communicate with customers and distributors.
• Establish business metrics, develop business plans, and manage organizational structure.
• Continuously improve productivity, food quality, worker safety, inventory management, and operating expenses.
• Develop staff, support team-building and succession planning, and foster an engaged, motivated workforce aligned with the company’s mission and values.
• Coordinate with internal departments and maintain effective relationships with regulatory agencies, community businesses, and other partners.
• Represent the Fish Company in the local community and develop a multi-year roadmap for operational initiatives, efficiency, growth, and innovation.
• Supervise the daily activities of facility staff, typically 3–5 individuals.
• Assist with processing, sanitation, and facility maintenance as needed; prepare, package, and deliver orders as needed.
• Travel for product deliveries using company refrigerated vehicles, including frequent local and non-local trips; attend meetings and trainings, including overnight and out-of-town events, and attend Tribal Council meetings as directed.

Benefits

• Benefits are offered; specific benefits are not detailed.
• Potential incentive program depending on qualifications and probationary period performance.
• HACCP training costs are covered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree