Farm Operations Director

Blue Ocean Barns, Inc. (BOB) is the leader in the production of a natural red seaweed supplement (BrominataTM) for cattle that curbs methane gas emissions by up to 80%. We are building our capability in partnership with global food brands committed to emissions reductions targets they have announced publicly. The company has operations in San Diego, California, and has begun operating in Mexico, beginning with a 50-acre aquaculture facility in Ejido Eréndira in Baja Norte. Cow burps contribute to roughly 2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, more than 4% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. Cattle that consume a small amount of BrominataTM with their feed daily produce up to 80% less methane gas from burps. We are a well-resourced, professionally managed, and rapidly growing company that provides good jobs to hard working and talented people who are committed to making a meaningful impact on climate change. 

• Business Responsibilities
• Facilitate collaboration between employees of Blue Ocean Barns Inc. & Blue Ocean Barns Mexico to implement the “Implementation Package.” 
• Maintain an open and approachable presence for all staff, addressing (or delegating) questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Lead and/or support special projects across the operation that streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve quality or safety, with the ultimate goal of operating the farming, processing and distribution site in Eréndira independently and professionally. 
• Create and effectively manage a budget for the Eréndira facility.
• Manage the support functions of the operation alongside the Administrative Manager, including procurement, accounting and payroll.
• Provide regular status updates on strategy, projects and production to senior management of Blue Ocean Barns Inc. Regularly communicate problems encountered, solutions and need for support.
• Represent Blue Ocean Barns in the local and regional business community and maintain adherence to all applicable corporate laws and regulations.

• New Construction Responsibilities  
• Problem-solve and maintain relationships that  minimize delays and overruns and hold contractors, suppliers and Blue Ocean Barns’ employees accountable for the buildout of 30 acres and beyond.
• Support the New Construction Supervisor in leading his team to achieve construction and equipment installation within budget and on time. Maintain active oversight of the critical path and responsibilities. 
• Ensure the operation adheres to environmental regulations and company sustainability standards.

• Production, Infrastructure/Maintenance, & Processing Responsibilities
• Lead the core manufacturing groups: a) Algae and Harvest Operations, b) Construction and Infrastructure Maintenance and c) Processing and Distribution. 
• Identify knowledge and/or leadership gaps in the team and create plans to train and develop current staff, and/or hire additional staff, to establish a cohesive, well-rounded senior team.  
• Facilitate collaboration among the core groups to ensure the achievement of the goals and objectives of each group. Help problem solve and prioritize goals if needed. 
• Implement effective worker safety programs in collaboration with Blue Ocean Barns, Inc. personnel.
• Implement and ensure compliance with all food safety requirements, governmental regulations, and internal safety and biosecurity policies.

• Ability to work at least 44 hours per week in Eréndira; including occasional weekends, holidays and/or on call. Regular attendance and punctuality is essential to carrying out the duties of this position.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant domain, such as systems or industrial engineering, business, or logistics. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Fluency in English is required.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or large-scale operations. At minimum, 2 years of experience at the management level in an production environment (preferably food or agriculture).
• Strong leadership and team management skills. Emphasis on leading broad/different functions. 
• Demonstrated desire and ability to support the professional development of direct report and junior team members
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Demonstrated track record of driving operational excellence and achieving production goals. Familiarity with key performance indicators (KPIs) would be an asset. 
• Excellent decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in creating and managing financial budgets, as well as interpreting financial reports. 
• Experience in planning and implementing programs in food safety, occupational safety, or related fields. Having certification(s) in these areas would be an asset.
• Project management experience - ability to articulate steps taken, demonstrate big picture thinking, lessons learned.