Director, Post-Harvest Technology & Operations

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Regular Full Time Exeter, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

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…