Director, Field Operations & Harvesting (Multi-Region)

Bonduelle Group Americas; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonduelle Americas is seeking a Director of Growing & Harvesting Operations to oversee end-to-end cropping, harvesting, and inbound logistics across regions, with a focus on cost management, quality, and food safety. You will negotiate grower contracts, manage field execution, and lead cross-functional teams to meet production goals.

The role requires extensive experience in fresh produce operations, strong leadership, and the ability to travel across growing regions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in growing operations, harvesting management, agricultural supply chain, or fresh produce leadership.
• Deep knowledge of crop cycles, yield forecasting, field operations, and quality management.
• Proven experience negotiating agricultural contracts with growers and vendors.
• Strong understanding of perishable supply chains and inbound raw-material logistics.
• Demonstrated success managing large field teams across multiple regions.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and cost-control initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Ag Business, Supply Chain, or equivalent experience; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end production and harvesting across multi-region locations (e.g., Santa Maria, Salinas, Yuma).
• Provide accurate and timely supply estimates and field availability updates for major crop types (iceberg, romaine, brassica, mixed-leaf).
• Ensure raw product meets quality, food safety, and customer specifications.
• Lead contract negotiations with grower partners and vendors across production regions; monitor performance.
• Own harvesting cost performance, including labor, equipment, and logistics; manage budgets.
• Mitigate field-level quality challenges (weather, pests, yield variability) and ensure food-safety compliance.
• Collaborate with sourcing, planning, and supply teams to align supply with demand; communicate field updates to stakeholders.
• Lead, coach, and develop production and harvesting teams; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership / team leadership

Contract negotiation

Budget management

Supply chain knowledge

Food safety knowledge

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Plant Science / Ag Business / Supply Chain

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Bonduelle Americas is seeking a Director of Growing & Harvesting Operations to oversee end-to-end cropping, harvesting, and inbound logistics across regions, with a focus on cost management, quality, and food safety. You will negotiate grower contracts, manage field execution, and lead cross-functional teams to meet production goals.

The role requires extensive experience in fresh produce operations, strong leadership, and the ability to travel across growing regions.