Manager of Operations

Job Description 

The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring the efficient execution of all aspects of certification service delivery through continuous improvement initiatives. This position oversees auditing schedules, conducts regular management meetings, assists with accreditation audits and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The Director of Operations also manages IT partners/projects, monitor operational metrics, support business development efforts, represent the agency at industry events, and perform additional assigned duties as needed. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the Director of Compliance Training and Development to onboard new managers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to excel in their roles. 

• Facilitate regular meetings with the Management Team to align strategies, address challenges, and drive collective decision-making. 

• Oversee the implementation of regular auditing schedules for all aspects of certification service delivery. 

• Develop and update procedures and policies in collaboration with the Director of Compliance Training and Development, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and organizational objectives. 

• Lead company projects for growth and maintenance, identifying opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement. 

• Monitor Objective & Key Results (OKRs) and operational metrics of managers to track progress towards goals and objectives, making data-driven recommendations for improvement. 

• Assist with accreditation audits and annual reporting to the National Organic Program (NOP), ensuring the company's compliance with quality management systems (QMS) under the guidance of the Director of Compliance Training and Development. 

• Ensure the company follows QMS protocols and standards, collaborating closely with the Director of Compliance Training and Development to maintain high levels of quality and integrity. 

• Represent OC at industry events such as trade shows, conferences, and meetings, fostering relationships with stakeholders and promoting the agency's services. 

• Support new business development efforts by contributing to program development, quality system enhancement, and certification documentation. 

• Lead IT partners and oversee websystem maintenance and development, ensuring the reliability and functionality of technological systems. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, or related area of science.

• Working knowledge and experience with the National Organic Program (NOP) standards and regulations, 5 years.

• At least 3 years of leadership experience. 

• Excellent communication skills in person, on the phone and in writing.

• Ability to clearly communicate complex and technical concepts.

• Comfort using computer for multiple hours at a time.

• Comfortable talking in front of large groups of people.

• Competency in word processing, formatting, databases and email applications including of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

• Excellent skills to organize, monitor, and track numerous activities throughout the year. 

Training Requirements 

Prior to Formal Authorization: 

• Initial basic training on policies, forms, files, web-system, etc. 

• Standards training as appropriate (NOP, etc.) 

• Monitored training period as needed to demonstrate competence. 

Yearly Requirements to Maintain Authorization 

• All certification review personnel continuously maintain adequate knowledge and skills in the current USDA organic standards, certification and compliance processes, traceability audits, mass-balance audits, and practices applicable to the type, volume, and range of review activities assigned. 

• Certification review personnel with less than one year of certification review experience must complete at least 50 hours of training within their first year performing certification review. 

• Certification review personnel with one or more years of certification review experience must annually complete at least 10 hours of training if conducting certification review related to one area of operation and an additional 5 hours of training for each additional area of operation. 

• Attendance at ACA/NOP Annual Meeting and review of all notifications of industry updates. 

• Attendance of update meetings and review of all notifications of industry updates. 

• Attendance of Annual OC Training Seminar. 

• Attendance of any additional trainings as deemed necessary. 

EEO Statement

FoodChain ID, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.