DUDA is seeking a President for its Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. (DFFF) subsidiary. Capitalizing on a nearly 90-year tradition of growing healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables, this wholly owned subsidiary of DUDA is a $400MM+ full-service grower, packer, shipper, marketer, importer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh-cut vegetables packaged under the Dandy® label. Major agricultural commodities marketed by the Company include celery (fresh and processed), lettuce, radishes, sweet corn and fresh citrus for domestic and export markets. DFFF serves both the retail and foodservice industries. Significant operations are in Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia and Michigan.

This role will be based in Salinas, California leading a team in a strong values-based culture. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with an emphasis on operational proficiency and financial results, proven track record of organizational leadership, stewarding a culture of teamwork and collaboration, comfortable in an environment of dynamic market conditions, proficient in developing the capabilities of others, one who values a workplace culture of faith and family, and strong communication skills and disciplined problem solving.

The President will report directly to the EVP/COO of DUDA and be responsible for leading all aspects of DFFF in achieving DFFF's annual Profit Plans and five-year Strategic Plans as approved by the DUDA board of directors. The President of DFFF, in collaboration with the COO of DUDA, will have broad authority to set strategy and direct future growth of DFFF, approve capital spending subject to annual authorized budget and priorities, approve contracts, and make hiring and compensation decisions. The President of DFFF will be supported in these responsibilities by the shared corporate services functions of DUDA, including Information Technology, Finance & Accounting, Legal, and Human Resources and will also serve as a DUDA corporate officer (SVP of Fresh Produce).

You will be rewarded for your efforts with a very competitive salary and exceptional benefits package. You will be working primarily in the Salinas Valley with travel to other growing regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs and oversees DFFF organizational objectives, operational policies and initiatives including both short and long term financial and operational goals.
• Leads and integrates the management team’s efforts to align all business unit processes to reinforce organizational structure to ensure successful strategic business program initiatives are executed to deliver positive financial results.
• Works closely with the COO of DUDA to ensure major Corporate initiatives and directives are implemented and executed across all DFFF business units.
• Develops change management objectives to oversee progressive management and leadership developmental program plans for all DFFF management teams throughout the organization.
• Directs and works closely with the Controller of DUDA to prepare all aspects of DFFF's annual profit plans, capital plans, workforce plans, and strategic plans along with multiple planning activities which include detailed financial analysis to support DFFF's profit plans in addition to monthly financial performance and year-end forecasts for our business unit.
• Directs and oversees all aspects of DFFF's horticulture R&D celery plant variety improvements, research, and seed operations including protecting and enhancing our intellectual property (IP) associated with proprietary programs developed for the US domestic and International marketplaces ( United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan).
• Primary and ultimately accountable for complete and absolute assurance and compliance with all food safety laws, regulations, policies and protocols throughout the DFFF business unit with working closely and jointly with VP of Food Safety and Sustainability and staff.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated record of accomplishment in assuming roles of increasing complexity and authority.
• Extensive experience managing a multi-site farming operation and the ability to motivate, unify and drive the performance.
• Strong understanding and working knowledge of the fresh produce industry.
• Proven leadership with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously for both yourself and the team.
• A passionate leader that loves the Ag industry.
• Ability to travel.

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