Capay Valley Farm Shop (CVFS) is a leading food hub in Northern California that offers a rare opportunity for regional businesses to buy 100% local, seasonal food directly from more than 40 small and mid-scale family farms. Located in Esparto, California, CVFS was established in 2007 with a commitment to deliver fresh, quality, safe & wholesome farm products grown or made in and around the Capay Valley to surrounding communities. As a for-profit, majority farmer-owned social enterprise, CVFS offers core services to its farm and business partners.
JOB OVERVIEW
CVFS seeks an experienced manager to assume overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of an established and growing food hub operating in a 4,000 square foot aggregation and distribution facility that serves over 40 local farms and ranches. The General Manager (GM) supervises a dynamic team of managers to improve core services and drive the organization's next phase of post-pandemic growth. The position reports directly to the founder and President, quarterly to the Board of Directors, and annually to farmers and Shareholders.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, talented manager to lead CVFS forward in building and delivering value for its partner farms, customers, and community members.
Salary Range: $64,000 - $72,000
Total Rewards Include: Medical allowance and employer-sponsored, profit-sharing 401k, weekly fresh produce.
Work Location: Hybrid. This position is expected to have a weekly presence at the Esparto warehouse and office with the option to work from a home office 2 or more days a week.
Applicants must be located within Yolo County and the surrounding area or willing to relocate.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities of this role include:
1. Leadership and Supervision: Provide leadership to the Management Team and other employees on a day-to-day basis. Supervise Sales, Sourcing, and Operations:
- Farms and Ranches: Work closely with the Sourcing Manager to ensure strong partnerships and relationships with existing farmers and successful onboarding of new ones;
- Sales: Work closely with the Sales Manager to oversee design and implementation of sales and marketing strategies and plans. Participate in sales and marketing team meetings to ensure strategic implementation. Lead new initiatives to generate revenue within existing operations and designing new opportunities. Actively support Sales Team to help reach sales growth goals;
- Operations: Work closely with Operations Manager to oversee all facility, product handling and distribution-related systems and logistics. Support improvement of systems to manage information flow and ensure quality control;
For all departments the position will:
- Support hiring, onboarding, and training of staff;
- Cross-train to provide back up coverage to managers;
- Support creation and adherence to policies and procedures to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe operations across the organization;
- Foster teamwork across the organization;
- Play active facilitation role with weekly Management Team meetings to coordinate implementation of weekly activities and strategic initiatives.
2. Business Management and Administration: Share responsibility for profit & loss performance with an emphasis on revenue generation and expense management.
- Actively participate in financial and administrative activities, including budgeting, financial reporting, and human resources;
- Participate in the oversight, systems, and registration necessary to maintain regulatory compliance;
- Engage in the review, renewal, and administration of all business insurance policies, including general, product, facility, auto and workers compensation.
3. Systems & Reporting: Oversee and improve the systems that run all facets of the hub's activities, including product availability, order fulfillment, inventory management, cleaning, equipment and vehicle maintenance, contracts, and financial accounting.
- GM is responsible for maintaining and updating documentation of core systems to facilitate staff training and continual improvement;
- The GM meets weekly with the President and quarterly with the Board of Directors and annually with farmers and Shareholders to discuss strategy, plans, and progress.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience working with people in a values-based, entrepreneurial environment in the fresh food industry. Timely, accurate delivery of quality local farm products is a core competency – versed in safe and sound post-harvest food handling. Excels having ultimate responsibility for improving efficiency, increasing profitability, and managing the company’s overall operations. Business development is an essential aspect of this position, and the individual will have previous experience building relationships with agricultural producers and customers.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of management experience (e.g. general manager, business owner, sales or operations manager) in the food and/or farm industry;
- Experience with sales and fulfillment operations preferred;
- Passionate and knowledgeable about local agriculture, food hubs, and fresh food distribution;
- Effectively manage staff, work with clients, and build relationships with farmers and local food system partners;
- Customer-focused and eager to articulate the value of the services offered and committed to exceeding client's expectations;
- Entrepreneurial and solution oriented, anticipating challenges and opportunities;
- Detail-oriented, good with logistics and scheduling; and numbers-oriented, capable of managing based on values and financial performance;
- While the job entails many administrative functions, this is not a desk job: the General Manager needs to be hardworking, flexible, and willing to pitch in wherever and whenever extra help is needed;
- Working familiarity with computers and software including Google Workspace and Office applications;
- Valid driver's license with clean driving record;
- Connection to agriculture: family background or business, work experience, etc., highly preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and mobility to ascend and descend the rear-end of a box truck.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to work outdoors in warm and cold weather.
TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE CONSIDERATIONS
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must possess a valid driver’s license for periodic travel throughout Northern California to meet with farm and customer partners, Staff and Board. Due to the rural location of the business, access to a car is required. There will be occasional work responsibilities that occur during non-regular work hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
Please submit the following to with the subject line “GM Application.” All qualified candidates will be contacted via email. This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a first review date of 5/31/2023:
- A cover letter describing your interest in this position and CVFS
- Resumé
https://www.capayvalleyfarmshop.com/join-our-team