Job Purpose:
The Site Director is responsible for all aspects of business, research, production and outreach at the Cascadian Farm Home Farm. The Site Director will provide strategic leadership for the Home Farm aligned with our brand mission and will lead our organic farming research and outreach efforts while working closely with the Cascadian Farm team, organic industry leaders and our agricultural research team. The Site Director will oversee all personnel and operations to ensure stewardship of the Cascadian Farm brand, quality of service and cost-effective management of resources.
Cascadian Farm® is one of the country's leading brands of organic foods. The story of Cascadian Farm begins over 40 years ago on a little stretch of land next to the Skagit River in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Today Cascadian Farm has grown beyond our original farm and is recognized as a pioneer in converting conventional farms to organic. Acquired by General Mills in 2000, Cascadian Farm sells cereals, bars, frozen fruits and vegetables, spreads and juices. The heart of our brand, our Home Farm produces mostly fresh blueberries, along with organic strawberries, raspberries, hardy kiwis, peppers, corn and pumpkins, operates a farm and ice cream stand and serves the organic community through research and education.
Position Details:
- Reports to Small Planet Foods Organic Industry Ambassador
- Location: Rockport, WA
- Travel: Some
- Weekend & extended hours required during summer & travel season
Major Job Responsibilities:
Organic and Sustainable Farming Leadership
- Evolve our Home Farm, in partnership with our farmer, into an organic farming research and education demonstration farm
- Build and maintain relationships with the organic and sustainable agriculture community
- Lead our organic farming research efforts in collaboration with our Organic Ambassador, agricultural research staff and our research partners
- Provide technical expertise in organic and sustainable farming practices and issues
General Management
- Responsible for overall operations & financial results of 20 acre diversified farm, office and roadside stand with annual sales of $500k.
- Directly manage Field Supervisor, Stand Manager and Office Manager and indirectly lead 15-plus person seasonal team. Maximize employee performance through:
- A robust Performance Management Process
- Ensuring continuous employee development
- Managing and cross-training staff to maximize operational efficiency
- Ensure operations comply with local, state and federal regulations (including, but not limited to, Good Agricultural Practices, Health Department and USDA National Organic Program) as well as General Mills Policies (including, but not limited to, Financial, Human Resources, Safety and Food Safety).
- Fill in for staff as needed. Ensure a smooth running operation by doing whatever needs to get done.
Marketing / Customer Service / Outreach
- Responsible for marketing the Home Farm and supporting brand initiatives connected to the Home Farm
- Maintain active involvement in local community initiatives
- Ensure that consumers and customers who visit the farm are delighted by the experience and ensure all staff exhibit service excellence
- Coordinate and lead tours to the farm in partnership with sales and the brand team
- Ensure that Home Farm marketing and retail experience is aligned with Cascadian Farm brand message and history
- Be a physical presence in the store, with consumers, with the Cascadian Farm brand team and in our Skagit County community
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required with a degree in one of the following desired: organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, agricultural economics, soil science, environmental science
- Experience in the organic industry required with emphasis on organic research and emerging trends in organic farming systems. The ideal candidate will bring with them a network from within the organic community which they can leverage to advance our goals
- Five years’ people management experience required
- Experience in retail management highly desired
- Experience managing a farm or with farm direct marketing is a plus
- Demonstrated collaborator with strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational savvy and influence skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff effectively
To Apply:
Please use this link to apply to the position: http://jobs.generalmills.com/redirect.aspx?jobid=52250567