Job Description

Overview

A large, established Importer, Shipper and Distributor of fresh produce is seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Leader to run the daily operation across automated and manual deciduous fruit production lines — hitting output and throughput targets, holding labor and overtime within budget, and keeping product to specification. This is a floor-based role, on the lines with the crew.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the daily schedule set by the Production Manager: allocate crew, lines and equipment to meet order commitments.
• Set and hold line speeds, staffing and changeover times to hit throughput and output targets each shift.
• Roster and flex crew size to volume to deliver the plan at the lowest reasonable labor cost.
• Authorize overtime only against genuine order commitments, track it daily, and hold it within the budgeted allowance.
• Report variances to the Production Manager before they become overruns; act on the causes of labor overrun.
• Supervise automated repack equipment — sizers and graders, optical and weight sorting, fillers, baggers, labelers, check-weighers, palletizers — alongside manual grading and hand-pack stations.
• Own and maintain the cross-training matrix — every critical role mapped against every team member, with competency sign-off.
• Coach daily on technique, quality, speed and safe practice; retrain where quality or audit results show a gap.
• Develop line leaders to provide supervisory cover; manage day-to-day performance and conduct fairly.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five or more years of supervisory or foreman experience in fresh produce packing or comparable food production. (Deciduous category strongly preferred; especially citrus and kiwi.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish — able to train, coach and direct the crew in both.
• Track record of hitting output targets while controlling labor and overtime cost.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMP and traceability, and the discipline to hold them under pressure.
• Proven at training and coaching frontline crew, including seasonal staff.
• This position will be on-site full-time in New Jersey, and must be available for shift work, weekends and seasonal peaks

The base salary the company may reasonably expect to pay for this role is $60,000 to $80,000. The actual salary for this role will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s skills and experience. The base salary range does not include other compensation elements, which will compose the total compensation package, or other benefits available to the position.

Please contact Rich Lentz, rich@producecareers.com