Director, Post - Harvest Technology & Operations

Job Summary
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.

Strategic Leadership & Business Ownership

• 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.

Post-Harvest Operations & Program Management

• 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.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• 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.

Quality Management & Technical Oversight

• 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.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

Compliance, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Well, what is this job really about?

We are looking for an individual who values hard work, fresh ideas and a commitment to excellence. At Fruit Growers Supply, we value trust, respect for each other, communication and sharing information, generating ideas and creative solutions, working in teams and developing people to add value.

Behind our history of innovation and commitment to market leadership is a company devoted to providing continued education, excellent benefits and good working conditions. We provide all the resources you need to support your professional development, including:

• A variety of choices for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
• Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
• 401K retirement savings plan, Match+
• Paid holiday and vacation benefits
• Internal and external training
• Educational assistance
• An open job posting system.

DISCLAIMER

This job description indicates, in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between Fruit Growers Supply and its employees.