Position Summary: 

The VHM General Manager is responsible for the launch and overall operational performance of our Westbrook, Maine, vertical hydroponic farm and its people. The VHM General Manager will direct and manage the farm’s overall operational activities, develop and implement effective operations programs, attract and develop talent, and partner with Vertical Harvest, Inc. for strategic management of the farm. The VHM General Manager will be a multi-faceted, critical leader in the implementation and realization of mission and our inclusive employment model, aligning operational goals with human potential and productivity.

This role is perfect for someone with traditional training and experience in manufacturing and operations but wants a chance to do it differently. To improve on convention. Take an inclusive, human centered approach to manufacturing. This role is ideal for someone who wants to challenge themselves to break the model and have the patience to iterate over time all while producing the highest quality products consistently. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Farm Completion & Launch: (First 6-12 months)

1. Build, lead, and support the operational leadership team at VHM
2. Contribute to final phases of construction and operational design with team members
3. Oversee the design and implementation of operational processes and procedures with the VHM operations team and HQ Operations
4. Collaborate with cross functional team to meet business objectives, including Farm Operations, Human Potential, Revenue, and Marketing
5. Collaborate with Human Potential department on people, process, and mission
6. Launch the farm meeting company and financial objectives
7. Lead day-to-day and long-term success of the farm

Strategic Planning:

1. Collaborate with Vertical Harvest HQ parent company on strategic decisions regarding sales, production, staffing, and other relevant areas
2. Fulfill reporting requirements and coordination efforts across Vertical Harvest entities as needed

Operational Excellence:

1. Establish performance metrics, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and optimize processes for productivity and quality
2. Implement lean manufacturing principles
3. Identify areas of constant improvement
4. Ensure implementation of all safety and quality measures within the farm

Financial Management:

1. Managing the farm overall and department budgets,
2. Control expenditures and allocate resources wisely.
3. Achieve revenue targets through leadership of local revenue and marketing functions and in partnership with HQ leadership
4. Create the farm budget and report actual financial results in alignment with Vertical Harvest’s financial reporting processes. 

Team Leadership:

1. Lead and motivate the team to achieve goals, aligning operational goals with human potential and productivity
2. Foster a positive, inclusive work environment

Stakeholder & Community Success:

1. Embrace Vertical Harvest’s “Community as customer” mentality
2. Engage stakeholders in the Westbrook community and support community engagement activities
3. Prioritize customer satisfaction and problem-solve as needed

Requirements:

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. College Degree or higher
2. 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, business management, or related fields, in a fast paced environment required.
3. Experience in food manufacturing or indoor agriculture
4. Demonstrated track record of operational excellence, building and implementing operational systems, managing people and teams towards goals
5. Strong P&L management experience with ability to drive towards financial and operational targets

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: 

1. Employee-Centered Mindset
2. Safety-first mindset
3. Management/leadership experience
4. Decisive and action-orientation
5. Strategic systems thinker
6. Results driven, energetic, confident personality
7. Excellent communication & collaboration  skills
8. Able to work independently and as part of a team
9. Excellent record keeping / documentation / organizational skills
10. Able to manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects simultaneously
11. Extremely observant, detail-oriented, and data obsessed
12. Comfortable in fast paced environment, flexible when demands change
13. Aware and inclusive of others
14. Embodies Vertical Harvest values of dynamic growth, inclusivity, ingenuity, transparency, empowerment, compassion
15. Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions