VP of Operations

Nichols Farms, a top processor of pistachios, is hiring a Vice President of Operations to join its team in Hanford, California.

Nichols Farms is a third-generation, family-owned farming and processing company with more than 60 years of experience growing, processing, packaging, and marketing premium pistachios and almonds. The company operates approximately 4,000 acres across California and produces more than 60 million pounds of nuts annually. They operate an integrated agricultural and processing business, with its on-farm processing facility handling hulling, roasting, seasoning, packaging, and other value-added operations serving retail, food service, private-label, domestic, and international markets. Built on a strong family heritage and commitment to quality, Nichols Farms combines large-scale agricultural operations with a focus on food safety, sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.

The Vice President of Operations is a hands-on position that will provide strategic & tactical leadership and oversight to the operational functions of the organization. The VP of Operations’ direct reports will include three Operations Directors, the Director of Quality & Food Safety, and the EH&S Manager. Reporting to the President, the VP of Operations will be an accomplished leader with proven experience in building, managing, and scaling a high-performing operations organization. You will ensure that the team is working effectively, putting in place KPI’s and metrics necessary for high performance and a comprehensive strategy to facilitate growth and profitability. The VP of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing processes, efficiency, strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. As an executive leader within the organization, the ideal candidate will share a passion for generating the highest returns possible while being a significant contributor to the long-term success of Nichols Pistachio and our people.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Develop, implement, and monitor annual goals and objectives for the Operations organization that support the accomplishment of strategic and financial objectives for the company
• Establish operational standards and metrics for cost control, waste reduction, product quality, food safety, order fulfillment, employee relations, and performance efficiencies
• Evaluate and optimize operational processes, workflows, and procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Implement and utilize systems that reflect accurate and timely data for optimum decision-making and reporting
• Establish performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational targets - monitor and analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to drive performance excellence
• Implement process improvement initiatives and leverage best practices to drive continuous improvement
• Create and support an environment rich with quantitative, analysis-based decision-making

LEADERSHIP

• Oversee production, packaging, quality assurance, and hulling plant operations while ensuring all workers adhere to food safety and personnel safety standards while generating quality outputs
• Lead company efforts to maximize plant efficiency; continually improving the use of labor and materials
• Develop and implement the overall operational strategy, goals, and objectives in alignment with the organization’s vision and mission while defining strategies for growth, process improvement, and cost optimization
• Ensure safety is the cornerstone of the operational facility, characterized by high operator awareness and involvement, and results in zero loss or accidents
• Oversee processes, capacity planning, and resource allocation for efficiency and cost reduction
• Organize processes for repeatability and scalability to maximize efficiencies
• Evaluate the organization's strengths and weaknesses, taking appropriate action to help ensure long-term health and productivity resulting in a high-performance culture
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in operations management to identify opportunities to leverage technology, automation, and innovation to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Ensure that all company activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing business operations

FINANCIAL ACUMEN

• Strong knowledge of basic accounting principles to understand and optimize financial reporting & results.
• Conduct financial analysis and special projects with respect to business development and processes, capital investment, and product yield/return
• Responsible for cost center management (e.g., labor costs, input costs) and profitability of operations - analyze and control costs through regular reviews of budgets and production reports
• Institute the principles of Lean Manufacturing in materials usage, capacity planning, production scheduling, operational efficiencies, safety, performance measures, and customer satisfaction
• Create and oversee operations budget to ensure alignment with organizational cost targets
• Develop a cost reduction roadmap to achieve product cost targets and overhead expenditure optimization

COLLABORATION / TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Set clear performance expectations, foster a collaborative work culture, and promote employee engagement and professional development
• Develops strategic partnerships with support teams including Human Resources, Procurement/Supply Chain, Continuous Improvement, Engineering/Capital Projects, and Finance/Accounting
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments, which includes Grower Relations, Sales & Marketing, and Supply Chain, to enhance flow of product across farming, harvest, processing, packing, and shipping
• Foster effective communication, collaboration, and alignment across teams
• Ensure that responsibilities, authorities, and accountability of all subordinates are defined and understood
• Develop respectful and professional relationships with staff to effectively provide them with the coaching and tools necessary for success in their positions
• Drive continuous employee development with Human Resources to ensure our employees are prepared to meet future industry demands (i.e., training, mentorship, and coaching)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, agriculture operations or a related field is desirable with an executive leadership background
• Tenured experience within the food or beverage manufacturing industry, agriculture manufacturing, ag operations, or food production
• Previous leadership of Environmental, Health, and Safety teams
• Strong understanding of FDA, USDA, and OSHA guidelines
• A comprehensive knowledge of a grower, packer, shipper, processor business model is preferred
• Proven track record in driving operational excellence process improvement
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management skills
• Exceptional ability to conceptualize large-picture projects and foresee challenges and needs to be addressed
• Strong problem-solving skills; analytical and data-driven; able to come up with creative solutions to unique challenges
• Ability to influence and inspire teams to achieve objectives and work cross-functionally