Production Shift Manager (Indoor Vertical Farming)

Oishii•Phillipsburg, NJ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Oishii is seeking a Production Shift Manager to lead production operations across multiple farms and a packaging team on the assigned shift in its indoor vertical farming facility. The manager owns execution of production functions with farm and/or pack operators, including team development, equipment readiness, sanitation, health and safety, food safety and quality, cost, and product yield. This is a highly hands-on, people-management role. The manager spends most of the time in the farm or packaging environment observing operations, ensuring processes are followed, auditing execution against standards, and coaching team members. Responsibilities also include assigning work, setting goals, evaluating performance, resolving issues, and maintaining consistent staffing. The fixed schedule is Sunday through Wednesday, 12 hours per shift. Shift hours rotate every six months between day shift (6:00 AM–6:00 PM) and night shift (6:00 PM–6:00 AM); rotation dates are predetermined. Occasional emergency response outside scheduled hours may be required. The role involves direct physical contact with bee colonies for pollination work; candidates must not be allergic to bees. Work includes extended periods in cold storage and an active, non-sedentary environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of experience in farming, production/manufacturing, warehousing, or a similar environment.
At least 5 years of progressive management experience leading operations teams, including frontline or hourly associates.
Track record of making sound, independent decisions when issues arise during a shift.
Track record of using real-time reporting and data to improve productivity, quality, yield, and cost metrics.
Working knowledge of food-safety and sanitation practices such as GMP or HACCP.
Experience handling complex employee-relations issues with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.
Solid computer literacy, including Google Suite, Slack, Notion, or similar tools.
Availability for the Sunday–Wednesday 12-hour schedule, including the six-month day/night rotation and occasional off-hours emergency response.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, climb ladders, crouch, kneel, reach, and stretch; hand dexterity is required.
Comfort working in an active, non-sedentary role for 5–6 hour stretches, including extended time in cold-storage areas.
Ability to have regular direct physical contact with bee colonies; candidates must not be allergic to bees.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
PCQI, HACCP, or SQF certification.
Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods.

Responsibilities

Drive production KPIs, including pruning or packaging speed, bruise rate, IPM task completion, cost reduction, yield, quality, and productivity.
Operate and troubleshoot farming and/or packaging technologies.
Analyze real-time reporting and data to guide decisions and improve results.
Maintain safety guidelines, IPM risk management, and sanitation practices on the shift.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with associates about expectations and changes.
Work with cross-functional partners, including maintenance, to support cohesive facility operations.
Coordinate with partners to troubleshoot system malfunctions, plant-health issues, environmental issues, and other problems; escalate gaps as needed.
Understand, implement, and enforce food-safety policies, including worker hygiene, sanitation, and documentation.
Direct and develop team members by assigning tasks, setting goals, providing feedback and coaching, evaluating work, resolving issues, and ensuring staffing levels.
Spend most of the time in the farm or packaging environment observing operations, ensuring processes are followed, and stepping in to drive performance.
Audit team execution against established standards and provide immediate coaching when gaps are identified.
Develop a deep understanding of farming and packaging processes to assess performance, identify inefficiencies, and coach team members to meet expectations.
Respond to emergencies or facility or team issues outside scheduled shift hours when needed.