Manager of Mechanical Planting Logistics and Operations

Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North America’s first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from farm to table.  We are America’s first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels.  Florida Crystals also sustainably farms rice, sweet corn and other vegetables in rotation with our sugarcane.  Our rice mill is the only rice mill in Florida. 

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Vice-President of Agricultural Operations and Vice-President of Sugarcane Logistics, the Manager of Mechanical Planting Logistics and Operations will be responsible to manage the mechanical planting operations during the different stages of the project. The work will focus on improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of our planting operations. This person will work with an interdisciplinary team to support the successful qualification and implementation of mechanical planting in our operations. 

 

 

 

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise mechanical planting activities according to SOPs and project objectives set by senior management.
• Provide direct supervision to operational team members, manage labor force for the operation and maintain a safe work environment.  Set individual goals and targets for operational staff that are consistent with project/operation goals.
• Plan, manage, coordinate, and oversee the allocation, utilization, maintenance/repair, and replacement of field equipment for the project.  Obtain all resources required (equipment, supplies, labor, shop support, etc.) to support the project plan.
• Coordinate and identify opportunities in field logistics and support services of all the operations to increase efficiency and lower expenses.
• Collaborate with Ag Operations, Logistics / Shops, and R&D on the planting project plan.
• Ensure proper calibration of all field equipment and tools before and during operations.
• Work with farm personnel to coordinate all tasks required (land preparation, fertilization, etc.) before planting.
• Perform quality control on seed fields to optimize efficiencies and quality of the mechanical planting operation.
• Track key performance indicators for the operation (fleet usage, planting quality, downtime, repairs, costs, etc.) and identify areas for improvement.
• Gather, organize, and summarize operational/testing data electronically and provide weekly reports on the operation, development goals, suggested improvements and/or changes in the operations to achieve desired outcomes.
• Work with mechanical shops to ensure that preventive maintenance and off-season repairs of all equipment are done in a timely manner.
• Maintain communication with all internal departments and external partners.
• Follow and enforce Florida Crystals Corporation’s Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality Policy (EHSQ) and understand and follow all policies and procedures.
• Ability to interact and work with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.
• The job requires many hours working outdoors in the South Florida environment and will involve physical labor. The candidate must be prepared to work in these varied environmental conditions and be aware of necessary safety and health precautions.

 

WORK EXPERIENCES 

 

• 5 + minimum years of experience managing mechanical planting operations
• Working experience with sugarcane is a plus
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

 

 

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Logistics Skills – Skilled in logistics management and reducing operating costs and increasing productivity.
• Agricultural Skills – Solid working knowledge of agricultural processes and agricultural equipment, familiar with precision agriculture concepts and applications.
• Managerial skills – strong people managerial skills and interpersonal skills.

• Data Analysis – Data-driven, problem solver, intense curiosity, and desire to go beneath the surface of the analysis. Proficiency in data reporting, and ability in visualizing and communicating data to support data-driven decisions.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to analyze information, identify underlying principles, reasons or facts of information and make deductions based on information. Ability to track and report data, as needed. Ability for associative thinking and good problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork – Create a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision a