Crops Operation Mgr - S/R & Equipment in Clarence, New York at Kreher Family Farms

JOB SUMMARY

The Crops Operations Manager – Shipping, Receiving, and Equipment is responsible for all post-harvest logistics, inventory control, and equipment operations supporting crop production. This role oversees shipping and receiving, packing workflow execution, inventory accuracy, and transportation coordination to ensure efficient product movement and quality preservation. The position also leads equipment utilization and supports operational efficiency across logistics and packing functions.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable:

Leadership & Workforce Management

Supervise and schedule H2A and hourly employees supporting packing, shipping, and equipment operations.

Provide training and coaching on safety, packing standards, and operational procedures.

Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Packing & Inventory Management

Oversee packing operations execution to ensure throughput, accuracy, and quality standards.

Manage inventory control processes including receiving, tracking, reconciliation, and reporting.

Maintain accurate inventory records within inventory management systems.

Partner with leadership to optimize packing workflows and reduce waste.

Logistics, Shipping & Receiving

Manage all shipping and receiving activities, ensuring timely and accurate product movement.

Oversee truck scheduling, loading operations, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Ensure proper reefer temperature controls and product handling standards.

Coordinate trucking logistics during peak harvest periods.

Equipment & Operational Support

Oversee usage, maintenance coordination, and troubleshooting of agricultural and packing equipment.

Ensure equipment readiness to support harvesting, packing, and logistics operations.

Identify and implement process improvements related to equipment efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

Partner with leadership to improve logistics, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Support data-driven decision-making through reporting and analysis.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Capabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorily

Strong knowledge of crop production practices including tilling, planting, land preparation, and harvesting.

Familiarity with a variety of crop types and regional agronomic practices.

Experience managing packing operations, logistics, and inventory management systems.

Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

Valid driver's license required; CDL-A license preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.

Agricultural equipment operation; knowledge of crop technological tools. Must be familiar with troubleshooting equipment/process problems and proposing solutions.

Strong communication, organizational skills, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Ability to work long hours during peak seasons and perform physical tasks outdoors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

3–5+ years of agricultural operations management or farm production leadership experience.

Proven experience leading H2A or seasonal labor teams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in an outdoor agricultural setting. Employees must be able to:

Stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, and reach for extended periods.

Lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 50 pounds, occasionally more with assistance.

Perform repetitive tasks such as planting, harvesting, and packing.

Use hands and fingers to safely operate tools, equipment, and machinery.

Work long hours in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak seasons, which may include weekends and holidays.

Employees will be exposed to:

All types of weather, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust.

Loud machinery, farm vehicles, and various hand/power tools (PPE may be required).

Dirt, mud, manure, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural chemicals, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

A dynamic work environment with frequently changing tasks based on crop cycles and seasonal demands.

A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.