Food Processing Hub Manager

Food Processing Hub Manager

The Sullivan County Conservation District (SCCD) is seeking a candidate for the position of Food Processing Hub Manager. The purpose of the shared-use Farm and Community Food Processing Hub is to strengthen the local and regional food system by enabling farmers, homesteaders and food entrepreneurs to safely produce frozen and shelf-stable products from locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts.

The position is a non-exempt, full-time 40 hour per week year-round position funded through a Northern Borders Regional Commission Catalyst Grant. This position is grant funded and will be contingent upon the availability of continued funding after 12/1/2028. The total compensation package is $80,000 per year: final salary is dependent on the candidate's medical benefits election at the time of hire.

This position is in-person, on location at the Farm and Community Food Processing Hub in Unity, New Hampshire.

The Hub Manager oversees the operations of the new Food Processing Hub, combining day-to-day operations and longer-term planning to ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged flow of Food Hub products:

• Greet, train and assist users of the Hub.
• Maintain the facility and equipment.
• Ensure facility compliance with food safety regulations, including sanitation programs. Perform, monitor, track, and record food safety-related processes.
• Creatively problem solve as daily operational needs evolve, calmly adapting to, and solving for, unexpected issues.
• Assist in keeping accurate operations records through various tracking mechanisms and reporting functions. Track Hub production and finances, and draft project reports.
• Proactively assess production and distribution efficiencies and propose areas of strategic development and continuous improvement.

Required:

• 1 to 2 years of management experience in one or more of the following types of roles. Some professional experience in the food industry is strongly preferred:
• Operations
• Project management
• Farming or food production
• Other applicable lived experience
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, safety rules, operation/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: in person, over the phone, by email, and text.
• Excellent customer service skills and/or successful teaching experience.
• Familiarity with computers, spreadsheets and digital business management tools.
• Strong organizational skills and natural proclivity for keeping detailed records.
• Enthusiastic ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with change and growth in an evolving business; creative problem solver and ability to jump in where needed to optimize operations.
• Helpful, calm, professional presence.

Preferred:

• Relationships with/knowledge of local food producers.
• Knowledge of/experience with food processing (freezing, dehydrating, freeze drying, and/or nut production).
• Experience in small business management and/or business development, especially in the food sector.
• Knowledge of basic food safety regulations.
• Food safety training.