Ray.BBDM Talent Advisors is recruiting a Head of Operations for its client The Summer Berry Company, a leading agricultural company in Odemira, Portugal.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will foster a positive culture and support the management of a large-scale farming operation.
You will assist the leadership team with all aspects of the farm's daily operations, focusing on cultivation and harvesting.The Head of Operations will be responsible for coordinating the areas of maintenance, plants and machinery, as well as the different stages of soft fruit production, including harvest, fieldwork, planting, pruning, and the packhouse, while ensuring the quality of daily operations.
The role also involves managing a permanent team of 400 people, which can increase to 800 during the peak season, and supporting cost control, with a strong focus on the continuous development of operations and process improvement.Key Responsibilities:Production Management: Coordinate and support line managers and their performance, including holding regular meetings, conducting appraisals, and setting KPIs.
Manage team talent and support the planning and operation of production departments, ensuring cost control and efficiency.Harvesting: Work with the Harvest Managers to plan and support the department, including forecasting, labour planning, and daily logistics.
Ensure product quality is maintained and train new workers to maximise performance.Crop Husbandry, Irrigation, and Tunnels: Together with the relevant managers, plan and support the department's daily tasks, ensuring the correct allocation of resources and team efficiency.Operations: Plan and support the machinery and maintenance departments, organise the daily operations of machinery operators, and ensure all machinery and equipment comply with legal and health & safety requirements.Project Management: Manage and plan projects, budgets, and resources, collaborating with various departments to ensure successful project completion within the established timelines.Key Requirements:Degree in Agricultural Management, Agronomy, or a related field.Experience in budget development and oversight.Fluency in both Portuguese and English.Strong knowledge of MS Office productivity tools, with Excel being mandatory.Full driving licence (Category B).