Farm Operations Manager at Blake's Orchard, Inc. – ARMADA, Michigan

Who We Are & About This Role

Since 1946, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill has been a cornerstone of Michigan agriculture and agritourism — an 80-year family operation with deep roots in Armada and a genuine growth ambition. We make world-class hard and sweet cider, operate tasting rooms and retail across four locations, and host thousands of guests a year.

About the Role

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill has spent nearly 80 years growing something special — and we're not just talking about apples. Across 800 acres in Armada, Michigan, we grow up to 35 specialty crops, host millions of guests each year, and operate one of the most dynamic U-Pick destinations in the Midwest. Rooted in strong family traditions and a commitment to excellence, we've built a farm that's as much about the experience as the harvest.

We're looking for a Farm Operations Manager who knows the land, understands the numbers, and takes real pride in putting quality produce in people's hands — whether that's a bushel of apples headed to a wholesale buyer or a pumpkin picked by a kid on a Saturday afternoon.

This is a hands-on leadership role working directly alongside our current Farm Operations Manager. You'll have your fingerprints on everything from crop harvest and packing barn operations to U-Pick customer experience and wholesale distribution. If you're a Michigan grower with a systems mindset, a passion for produce quality, and the drive to help a third-generation family farm keep raising the bar — we want to hear from you.

Your Role With Blake’s - Key Responsibilities

Farm & Produce Operations

• Partner day-to-day with the current Farm Operations Manager to keep a complex, multi-crop operation running at its best
• Assist with growing high-quality produce across our full crop rotation — apples, pumpkins, sweet corn, and beyond
• Oversee packing barn operations: grading, packing, and distributing harvested produce to our retail stores and wholesale accounts
• Maintain strict quality standards on all outgoing product
• Manage produce inventory and packaging materials with accuracy
• Assist with produce purchasing from market when needed

Revenue & Sales Leadership

• Oversee all farm revenue channels: U-Pick, on-farm retail, and wholesale
• Build and track revenue reports across incoming sales streams
• Develop and execute strategy for tree sales — both Christmas trees and landscape trees
• Bring creative thinking to U-Pick pricing, signage, and customer flow to drive on-farm revenue

Team & Crew Management

• Direct harvest crews to meet daily pick targets
• Lead a team of 3–4 in grading and packing operations
• Build and follow yearly department budgets
• Maintain thorough documentation: sales records, harvest logs, and product transfers
• Guest Experience & Events
• Own the U-Pick customer experience from end to end — signage, pricing, service standards
• Support execution of our signature farm events: Blake's in Bloom, Lavender Fest, Sunflower & Pickle Festival, and Christmas tree sales season

What Great Looks Like - Qualifications

• 5+ years of farm experience, with demonstrated progression into leadership
• Hands-on knowledge of produce handling, grading, and/or sales
• Proven ability to lead crews and manage people with respect and clarity
• Strong systems thinking — you track what matters, document what counts, and budget with discipline
• Comfortable with technology: Microsoft Office proficiency required; interest in farm tech a plus
• A problem-solver who stays calm when the weather doesn't cooperate and the harvest can't wait
• Self-directed and motivated — you don't need someone looking over your shoulder to get things done right
• A communicator who works well across a team, from field crews to wholesale buyers
• Valid Michigan driver's license required
• High school diploma or equivalent required

How You’re Rewarded - Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary, performance-based incentive, 401(k) with match, full health/dental/vision benefits, PTO, and all the perks of working at one of Michigan’s most beloved farms. Full details shared during the interview process.

What’s Next - How to Apply

Don’t just send a resume into a void. Reach out on LinkedIn, visit a location, try the cider — show us you want in. We can’t wait to meet the right person.

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is an equal opportunity employer.