General Manager at De Lacy Executive Recruitment North America

Position Overview:Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to oversee the daily operations of their growing, family-run Grower/Packer/Shipper company specializing in leafy green vegetables and Asian produce. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership and farm management experience, with a proven ability to streamline processes, implement systems, and drive performance. This position will be based out of their San Bernardino, CA Headquarters.As the General Manager, you will take charge of day-to-day operations, allowing the upper management to focus on long-term strategy and growth. This role requires someone capable of creating and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across various areas of the business, while also ensuring the farm's human resources are trained and fully autonomous. Experience in leafy greens farming and knowledge of related practices are essential.You will be joining a company that has consistently grown 10-15% annually and is forecasting 20% growth in the coming year. We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader who can help take their operations to the next level by standardizing processes, empowering our team, and ensuring smooth operations as we continue to expand.Key Responsibilities:Operational Leadership: Take full ownership of daily operations, including production, HR, equipment, and supply management. Streamline and enhance current processes to increase efficiency.SOP Development: Create, implement, and standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the farm, warehouse, and packing operations. Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards.Team Management: Assess the current team, perform SWOT analyses, and identify gaps in personnel or skills. Implement appropriate training and development programs to ensure the team operates autonomously and efficiently.Performance Measurement: Develop and implement performance tracking systems to measure operational success. Identify KPIs and set up bonus/incentive systems based on production metrics.Compensation Systems: Design and roll out compensation structures and bonus systems to motivate and reward team performance, aligned with operational goals.Mexico Operations: Oversee and manage farm operations in Mexico. Ensure compliance with regulatory, financial, and operational standards, while fostering strong communication between the U.S. and Mexico operations.Strategic Analysis: Conduct SWOT and team analyses regularly, appraising the effectiveness of current systems and personnel. Present findings and improvement plans to upper management.Regulatory & Financial Oversight: Ensure full regulatory compliance, manage budgets, and oversee financial aspects related to farm and packing operations both in the U.S. and Mexico.Growth & Scaling: Support the company’s growth trajectory, helping to forecast and manage a 20% year-over-year increase in production and operations.Qualifications:Experience:Proven experience in a leadership role within farm management, particularly in leafy greens or related produce (e.g., broccoli, spinach, Asian greens).Knowledge of packing, shipping, and warehouse operations in agricultural settings.Experience managing farms in Mexico, including regulatory and administrative responsibilities.Familiarity with creating and implementing SOPs and performance measurement systems.Skills:Strong operational, HR, and financial management skills.Expertise in SWOT analysis, team evaluation, and bonus/compensation system implementation.Ability to work independently and create autonomy within teams.Excellent communication skills; Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.Travel: Ability to travel to Mexico regularly (approximately once a week every month).Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience in farm management.Preferred Experience (Not Required):Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish.Produce Knowledge: Experience with Asian produce, in addition to leafy greens. Interested in this Opportunity? Submit an Application Package by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION.