Packaging Automation Lead

BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!

At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great-tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.

BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. We currently operate six high-tech greenhouse farms, with four new regional salad greenhouse hubs breaking ground to begin opening in 2024. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 3,700 retail stores across the East Coast and Midwest.

The Automation Packaging Lead for the Launch Team will primarily be responsible for the post-harvest conveyance through primary and secondary packaging. They will be responsible for training on all machine-specific functions such as configuring the equipment, loading materials, operating the machines, and optimizing the machine capability. They will have responsibility for opening all new greenhouses with regards to training on conveyor systems, packaging equipment, x-ray, check weighers, tray sealers, and production operations, as well as quality checks, shift reporting, and troubleshooting. They should be a self-starter and willing to undergo training to understand the operations of new equipment. The Lead must be able to travel often to support the opening of the new sites and assist in the development and deployment of strategies to meet the business objectives. They will be an integral part of Commissioning, Validation, and Start-up at each site. The Lead will have responsibility to ensure the packaging team are trained on the equipment and maintained in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner, as well as ensure the safety, quality, and productivity of the department. This position reports to the Launch Team Manager.

Specifically, you will:

• Live and lead a safety-first mentality and ensuring safe practices
• Provide site start-up training and collaboration for new packaging and conveyor equipment
• Effectively assists, as needed, on all capital projects/installations holding to committed results and outcomes
• Successfully develops, leads, and executes operational processes with site team
• Assist with the writing of standard operating procedures and training documents
• Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis during startup operations
• Use analytics to identify opportunities and reduce costs while striving for improved machine performance
• Ensure that the machines work at their full capacity, perform minor adjustments and maintenance, and perform timely quality checks.
• Lead and develops talent at each future site through training, knowledge sharing, and employee development
• Work with site employees to commission, validate, and start-up new equipment
• Establish clear and measurable performance expectations
• Drive engagement and supports cross-functional projects and teams
• Share best practices across all sites, challenges thinking, and provides candid and respectful feedback
• Lead with key values, being a strong example for site employees and others throughout the organization
  

The ideal candidate:

• Has a high school diploma or GED
• Is knowledge of automated conveyor and packaging equipment
• Has previous experience with PLC programming and operations (preferred)
• Is analytical and numerical skills; ability to perform mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in different units of measure
• Has keen attention to detail and organizational skills
• Is a proven track record of driving results, engaging others and consistent accountability
• Has previous experience with utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Willing to travel approximately 75% - 85% of the time during the construction and set-up of the new sites
• Partners with cross-functional teams to support, improve, and develop various operational programs/processes at the sites
  

Preferred Qualifications:

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.