Plant Manager – Chicago, IL Job Description Gotham Greens is seeking an exceptional individual to lead and manage the operations of the company’s new, 75,000 ft2, state‐of‐the‐art, greenhouse and packing facility in Pullman, Chicago, IL. The candidate ideally has experience opening and establishing a new manufacturing facility. The Plant Manager is directly responsible for the overall guidance and management of the day to day operations in the Greenhouse facility including but not limited to, packing and processing leafy greens and herbs, distribution and logistics of finished goods and overall management of plant operations (does not include horticulture or cultivation responsibilities). The Plant Manager is responsible for implementing standardized procedures and protocols at facility in areas including: staff training and management, inventory; distribution and logistics; sanitation, safety and compliance. The Plant Manager candidate has experience with packing and warehouse operations, managing inbound and outbound logistics, staff training and shift schedules; and proven success in achieving cost reductions and efficiencies in plant operations. The Plant Manager reports directly to the Project Director and works closely alongside the Senior Grower, Chief Agricultural Officer, CEO and CFO. The ideal candidate is passionate about sustainable agriculture and embraces Gotham Greens’ core values and mission. Prior experience in food production and processing in the natural and organic industry is strongly preferred. Experience in the produce category and strong relationships in the Northeast, New England, and Midwest is a plus. This is an opportunity for a driven individual to assume a leadership position at a rapidly growing, innovative, disruptive company in the 21st century food system. The position is based in Chicago with opportunities to transfer to other company locations in the future. Responsibilities: Operations o
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Overall responsibility for the performance of the plant, including safety, quality, cost, productivity, and distribution (does not include horticulture or cultivation responsibilities). Manage direct reports including Pack House Supervisors, Facility Manager, HR Assistant, Admin Assistant and all hourly personnel. Manage distribution and logistics; oversee driver in collaboration with Operations Manager. Manage Human Resources for all personnel reporting to Greenhouse. Collaborate with Senior Grower to operate a productive and cost effective Greenhouse facility; Coordinate shift schedules with Senior Grower. Implement SOPs and ensure that they are being adhered to as defined by Food Safety Plan. Maintain production and packing areas to ensure operations comply with company quality, sanitation and Food Safety standards. Coordinate purchasing with Operations Manager. o
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Coordinate with Facility Manager day to day repairs and maintenance Manage cost effective inventory levels. Communicate with Sales and Marketing to support continued company growth. Oversee the company's quality program and practices. Ensure compliance standards are consistently met. Maintain and review quality reports/statistics to ensure consistent, quality finished goods. Team Development and Leadership o
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Develop and manage a progressive employee training program in line with company objectives. Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are adhered to, improve upon where applicable and train to new hires/transfers. Provide safe working environment for employees by maintaining the facility and equipment in an optimal working environment, and enforce adherence to safe work practices. Ensure team members have the right tools, knowledge and equipment required to do their jobs effectively and safely. Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality. Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results. Qualifications: o Bachelor’s Degree o 4‐8 years of relevant related experience in plant operations or manufacturing with proven success. o Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise o Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask o Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers o Successful leadership in early‐stage start‐ups or other rapid growth environments o Experience with ERP systems o Experience with material handling suppliers, trucking and logistics o Excellent analytical, problem solving, and negotiating abilities o Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills o High attention to detail; highly organized. o Passionate commitment to company vision o Appreciation to principles of sustainable agriculture and food o Experience in specialty food, agriculture, natural and organic CPG a plus o Strong knowledge of MS Office Compensation: o
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Competitive compensation commensurate with experience Health Benefits Competitive PTO and Holidays Inquiries: o Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We thank you in advance for your interest in this role. Unfortunately due to the large volume of candidates, only those requested to interview will be contacted. ABOUT GOTHAM GREENS: Gotham Greens is a leading producer of local, premium‐quality, greenhouse‐
grown vegetables and herbs. The company develops and operates greenhouse facilities in urban areas to ensure consistent, year round, fresh vegetable production. Since building the nation’s first commercial‐scale hydroponic urban greenhouse in 2011 Gotham Greens has quickly become a worldwide pioneer in the field of urban agriculture. The company provides its diverse retail, restaurant, and institutional customers with reliable, year‐round supply of local produce grown under the highest standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Gotham Greens is involved in greenhouse agriculture projects in cities across the United States and internationally. For more information, visit: www.gothamgreens.com As EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, Gotham Greens Farms, LLC and its affiliates do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law.