Little Bear Produce ยท 6 days ago
Director of Operations
Greater McAllen Area
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expLittle Bear Produce, Inc. is seeking a highly capable Operations Director to lead key operational functions and optimize systems for their growing business. This role involves directing and optimizing production, logistics, food safety, and workforce performance in a fast-paced, perishable-goods environment.
AgricultureFarmingFood and BeverageFood Delivery
Responsibilities
Direct operations across specialty crop and value-added production, warehousing, shipping, logistics, food safety, quality, occupational safety, and maintenance
Implement operational strategies aligned with COO's direction
Develop and monitor KPIs
Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Food Safety, HR, Finance, and Executive Leadership
Oversee efficient production and packing operations
Utilize Redzone to monitor workforce productivity
Lead continuous improvement efforts
Maintain strong vendor relationships
Manage procurement and purchasing activities using Coupa
Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts
Oversee use of Famous Software (ERP), Redzone, Coupa, Paylocity
Improve system processes and adoption
Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks
Ensure compliance with FSMA, HACCP, USDA, and regulatory requirements
Work with the Food Safety & Quality teams to uphold operational standards
Support audits and emergency preparedness
Lead operations teams across multiple facilities
Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Partner with HR for hiring, training, and performance management via Paylocity
Qualification
Required
5+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in produce, agriculture, food processing, or another perishable-goods environment
Hands-on experience with ERP, production, or supply chain systems (highly prefer Famous Software)
Experience improving labor efficiency using workforce systems
Strong understanding of logistics, warehousing, and cold chain operations
Strong financial & analytical skills with budgeting and cost-management experience
Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities
Advanced knowledge of produce operations, including harvest, packing, cold chain logistics, and quality standards
Understanding of USDA, OSHA, H-2A, DOL, and SMETA/ethical compliance standards
Knowledge of food safety requirements (HACCP, GAP, GMP, traceability)
Strong understanding of labor planning, scheduling, workflow optimization, and cost controls
Knowledge of supply chain logistics and transportation compliance
Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities simultaneously
Ability to make quick operational decisions under pressure
Ability to train, coach, and develop leaders
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and workplace ethics
Ability to handle emergency situations (equipment failure, shortages, weather events)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Prefer direct experience with Famous Software (ERP)
Prefer direct experience with Redzone (workforce productivity)
Prefer direct experience with Coupa (purchasing)
Prefer direct experience with Paylocity (HR & payroll)
Prefer Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement training
Company
Little Bear Produce
Little Bear Produce is a farm that provides a range of fresh food and agricultural products along with food delivery services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
James Bassetti
Chief Operating Officer
Eddie Escobar
PAYROLL AND PERSONNEL COORDINATOR
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