OPERATIONS MANAGER - SPAIN

Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly, collaborative team spread across the globe. To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified Operations Manager - Spain This position will be located in Aznalcazar, Sevilla.POSITION SUMMARY:This position is responsible for managing the facility and collaborating with the Fall Creek Nursery local teams to successfully produce brand compliant crops within the established budget.ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:Reports to the Country/General Manager and the Operations Manager EMEA. This position collaborates with other departments and managers in the EMEA operation. Responsible for directly supervising team leaders and others performing work at the nursery.JOB SETTING:Office, nursery, and field setting. Domestic and international travels are required.ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned)Under direction, manages all nursery operations, including but not limited to propagation, plant production, crop maintenance, order fulfillment, shipping, facilities (maintenance and construction), labor, safety, budgeting, and expense management. Adheres to the quarantine regulations for the nursery.Oversees the successful implementation of the production plan for the nursery. Manages the potting operations. Responsible for the timely set up and maintenance of production equipment. Notifies the Country/General Manager of any issues or problems in a timely manner and is ready to coordinate with the Operations Manager to resolve horticultural issues. Maintains inventory of production supplies and materials and ensures their safe and secure storage.Ensures that complete and accurate plant orders are pulled, staged for shipping, and loaded onto trucks in accordance with FCFN standards. Coordinates order fulfillment efforts with the sales department and representatives. Promotes collaboration and good communication between the production and sales departments.Assists in the coordination of the movement of products and materials between the nursery and other FCFN locations.Under guidance from the Country/General Manager and in collaboration with the Operations Manager EMEA, implements decisions related to irrigation, fertilization & pesticide applications. Ensures workers comply with health and safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements when handling chemicals. Ensures the safe and secure storage of chemicals, fertilizers, and related substances.Responsible for plant inventory at the nursery. Schedules inventory counts. Ensures inventory records are timely and accurate. Collaborates with the accounting department in resolving discrepancies. Immediately notify the Country/General Manager of potential problems or issues.Assists the R&D department with oversight of the research program when asked. Provides resources to the R&D department as requested. Responsible for coordinating the repair and/or overhaul of farm rolling stock such as tractors, ATVs, forklifts, and other motor-driven equipment. May work with vendors directly as needed. Creates and maintains a maintenance schedule to ensure farm rolling stock is in proper working order.Collaborates with the Country/General Manager, the Operations Manager EMEA, and the accounting department on developing the annual nursery budget. Responsible for operating within the approved amounts. Works with the accounting department on monthly forecasting. Actively manages expenditures at the nursery and provides all documentation and receipts to the accounting department in a timely manner. Responsible for supervising employees. This includes training, coaching, and developing employees in their positions. Conducts goal setting, performance reviews, and team building activities. Establishes and implements required training programs at the nursery. Ensures that proper documentation is maintained. Schedules and manages labor needs in a cost-efficient manner. Collaborates efforts with outside labor vendors. Maintains positive relationships between workers and employees. Promotes a culture of teamwork, quality, and performance. Responsible for providing a legally compliant and respectful workplace for all employees and people performing work at the nursery. Primarily responsible for maintaining brand-compliant facilities. Under direction from the Country/General Manager and in coordination with the corporate office, this position is responsible for the sourcing and construction of new facilities (CAPEX) including greenhouses, other agricultural buildings, and nursery production areas within established guidelines.Responsible for the establishment and implementation of a health and safety program at the nursery in accordance with the Federal Regulations. This includes providing health and safety training, accident investigation, safety committees, reporting requirements, and related record maintenance and retention.Coordinates services with outside vendors and other providers to perform work or provide services to the nursery. Responsible for hosting customers, guests, events, and other visitors to the nursery. Attends industry-related meetings and tradeshows as directed.May remotely attend meetings via MS Teams and other technology which may include the MMM, labor, and other department meetings of FCFN.Adheres to the standards set forth in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.Supports, perpetuates, and enhances Fall Creek’s core values and corporate culture.Performs other duties in the nursery as assigned.Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, And TrainingTypically requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent equivalent) in agronomic engineering, or related field. Requires technical plant production knowledge, preferably in a greenhouse environment.7+ years’ experience managing a facility or operation.Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a supervisory or management position with proven ability to manage, develop and mentor staff. Bilingual language skills in local language & English. The ability to speak, read, and write in English. Strong working knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.Experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and expense management.Ability to prioritize work within established guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests. Ability to develop clear action plans and drive processes with many interdependencies.Requires good judgement in decision making and in recognizing scope of authority.Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, vendors, customers, peers and the community.Effective oral and written communication skills at all levels of the organization. Ability to effectively present information in formal and informal settings to peers, customers, and industry leaders.Must have a commitment to quality. Must be results driven and customer focused.Ability to travel internationally for company business or attend events off-site. Requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain a valid license plus an acceptable (insurable) driving record. Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters. Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.Desired QualificationsMaster’s degree in business administration or related field.General knowledge of human resources and local labor law. Experience or knowledge of LEAN principles.Who is Fall Creek? We’re a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have wholly-owned nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, China, and Chile. Additionally, we have built a global team of the finest breeders, researchers, propagators and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts and more. We’re a deeply-planted link in a global chain, ready to serve our customers and our industry throughout North, Central, and South America, Greater Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence. To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries™.