Ag Operations Manager

The Ag Operations Manager is responsible for leading grower relations, contracting, procurement planning, and planting schedule coordination across Ocean Mist Farms’ production program, including both commodity and value-added operations. This role ensures alignment between field supply, harvest operations, plant demand, and commercial commitments by integrating grower management, crop intelligence, planting plans, and supply planning.

This position plays a critical role in delivering accurate forecasts, reliable supply, and strong grower partnerships while driving operational efficiency across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supply Planning, Procurement & Planting Coordination

• Lead procurement planning and raw material sourcing across commodity and value-added programs
• Collaborate daily with plant, harvest, and field operations on demand planning, forecasts, and planting schedules
• Develop, maintain, and adjust planting schedules across all growing regions based on demand plans and harvest timing
• Align field supply with plant demand, harvest schedules, and sales commitments
• Monitor crop estimates, yields, production forecasts, and days-to-harvest data to support planning decisions
• Coordinate seed procurement and delivery to greenhouse operations in alignment with planting schedules
• Maintain accurate records of seed usage, germination rates, and inventory in partnership with Production Accounting
• Identify and implement improvements to procurement, planting, and supply planning processes and tools
• Develop, track, and refine KPIs related to raw product supply, planting progress, and sales performance
• Conduct market research and cost analysis to support sourcing and planning decisions
• Support new product and packaging initiatives through development, trials, and commercialization
• Identify supply risks and implement contingency plans to ensure consistent product availability
• Coordinate with regional teams to ensure consistent quality and efficient product flow
• Drive continuous improvement across commodities, planting execution, and supply programs

Grower Relations & Contracting

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Ocean Mist Farms’ grower network (internal and external)
• Identify and onboard new growers to support supply needs and long-term growth
• Negotiate and manage grower contracts, production commitments, and pricing structures
• Oversee contract pricing and structured FOBs by commodity within established timelines
• Analyze grower budgets and support contract development and execution
• Conduct seasonal acreage and cost reconciliations with partnership growers
• Monitor grower performance to ensure quality, yield, and program expectations are met
• Manage quality issues, product rejections, and vendor or grower disputes

Crop Intelligence & Field Operations

• Oversee collection and analysis of field-level data including planting progress, crop conditions, plant populations, wet dates, and yield indicators
• Conduct regular field observations in partnership with Farming leadership
• Provide timely reports to leadership highlighting risks, opportunities, and forecast updates
• Coordinate variety trials with seed vendors and internal teams
• Use crop intelligence to improve forecasting accuracy and operational planning

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Harvest, Cooler Operations, Sales, Value-Added, Farming, and Greenhouse teams to align supply with business needs
• Lead regular planning discussions on volume, timing, varietal selection, and planting schedules
• Foster collaboration to support efficiency, quality, and shared success

Team Leadership

• Supervise and support field-based team members responsible for crop data collection and reporting
• Provide clear direction, accountability, and development for team success
• Promote a culture aligned with Ocean Mist Farms’ values: respect, integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and quality
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• 5–7 years of experience in agricultural operations, procurement, supply planning, or grower relations
• Experience working with growers, crop forecasting, and agricultural contracting preferred
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce production and supply chain operations
• Proven ability to analyze crop and supply data to support decision-making
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced agricultural environment
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred