Director of Operations

Chief Operating Officer @ Little Bear Produce | Streamlining Operations

Operations Director – Little Bear Produce, Inc.

Department: Operations

Reports To: COO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Revised: 11.26.25

PRIMARY PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly capable Operations Director to lead key operational functions and optimize the systems and processes that support our growing business. The Operations Director (reporting directly to the COO) will direct and optimize specialty crop and value‑added production, logistics, shipping, and receiving, food safety, occupational safety, quality, and workforce performance across the organization. This role requires a hands‑on operational strategist who excels in process improvement, team leadership, and technology‑enabled operational management.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced, perishable‑goods environment and is experienced in leading both people and systems in the produce or food industry.

QUALIFICATIONS Education / Certification / License(s):

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field. (Preferred)

Language:

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in produce, agriculture, food processing, or another perishable‑goods environment. (Required)
• Hands‑on experience with ERP, production, or supply chain systems (highly prefer Famous Software). (Required)
• Experience improving labor efficiency using workforce systems. (Required)

Prefer direct experience with:

• Famous Software (ERP)
• Paylocity (HR & payroll)
• Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement training

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Skills

• Leadership, team building, and team management
• Strategic planning & process improvement
• Budgeting, forecasting, KPIs, and operational analytics
• Conflict resolution and performance management
• Strong written and verbal communication

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of produce operations, including harvest, packing, cold chain logistics, and quality standards
• Understanding of USDA, OSHA, H-2A, DOL, and SMETA/ethical compliance standards
• Knowledge of food safety requirements (HACCP, GAP, GMP, traceability)
• Strong understanding of labor planning, scheduling, workflow optimization, and cost controls
• Knowledge of supply chain logistics and transportation compliance

Abilities

• Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to make quick operational decisions under pressure
• Ability to train, coach, and develop leaders
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and workplace ethics
• Ability to handle emergency situations (equipment failure, shortages, weather events)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strong understanding of logistics, warehousing, and cold chain operations. (Required)
• Strong financial & analytical skills with budgeting and cost‑management experience. (Required)
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision‑making abilities. (Required)
• Strategic and operational thinker
• Strong systems and data fluency
• Process design and optimization
• Team leadership and coaching
• High integrity and attention to detail
• Adaptive and solutions‑oriented

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Direct operations across specialty crop and value‑added production, warehousing, shipping, logistics, food safety, quality, occupational safety, and maintenance
• Implement operational strategies aligned with COO's direction
• Develop and monitor KPIs
• Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Food Safety, HR, Finance, and Executive Leadership

Production, Packing & Workforce Performance

• Oversee efficient production and packing operations
• Utilize Redzone to monitor workforce productivity
• Lead continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain strong vendor relationships
• Manage procurement and purchasing activities using Coupa
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts
• Oversee use of Famous Software (ERP), Redzone, Coupa, Paylocity
• Improve system processes and adoption
• Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with FSMA, HACCP, USDA, and regulatory requirements
• Work with the Food Safety & Quality teams to uphold operational standards
• Support audits and emergency preparedness

Team Development & Culture

• L…