Sunday, April 9, 2017

Director of Operations, Farm Fresh HQ, Kansas City

Fresh Farm HQ is hiring a Director of Operations!!  Come be part of a very exciting farmer owned business that is truly adding value to Kansas City's food system.  You have the opportunity to help our mission driven food hub thrive and grow. Applications are due April 17th! 

Brief Company Overview:  Fresh Farm HQ is a Cooperative Association owned and operated by farmers, which started operations in early 2016.  FFHQ is a mission driven organization that will strengthen the local food system by expanding opportunities for regional farmers wanting to scale-up and meet the demand for local nutritious food.  We aggregate and distribute locally produced vegetables, fruits, and proteins from producers, with a focus on small to medium size farms that are within a 150 mile radius of Kansas City, MO, and selling to wholesale outlets including corporations, institutions, grocers, and restaurants. (more info at www.freshfarmhq.com

The goals of Fresh Farm HQ are to: 
  • Provide an aggregation point for local producers, spurring increased production of locally-grown products.
  • Provide small to medium sized producers a market through which they can receive competitive prices.
  • Increase viability of local family farms through a cooperatively-managed and producer- owned food hub.
  • Enable corporations, grocery stores, restaurants, and regional institutions to consistently and reliably secure local food.
  • Support increased regional food security and healthy eating.

The Director of Operations will report directly to the Board of Directors President and have the following responsibilities:   
  • Run the Day to Day operation of Fresh Farm HQ
  • Be the main representative of Fresh Farm HQ in the regional buyer’s market
  • Marketing the business to farmer/producers
  • Marketing the business to buyers, (corporations, restaurants, grocery stores, and institutions such as hospitals and schools)
  • Coordinating sales and distribution along the chain from farmer to buyer.
  • Work closely with the board of directors to strategically plan for ongoing sales and operations.
  • Communicate effectively with the Board to allow the Board to make informed and timely decisions. 
  • Maintain a positive and visible presence in the community working closely with other professional, civic and community leaders and organizations.
  • Lead the development of strategic partnerships with community groups like After the Harvest

Position Info: 
  • Job Location:  Kansas City, with some regional travel required
  • Start Date:  End of April         
  • Wage: Negotiable
  • Hours:  Full-time, with a need for flexible scheduling

Professional Qualifications
  • Bachelor degree with a preferred focus in food systems, value chain management, regional planning, or agriculture.  Experience can be substituted for education.
  • Strong time management skills
  • Excellence in organizational management with the ability to complete tasks and implement programs Computer competency in the use of standard office software programs, internet programs and social media
  • Preference given to candidates with experience in local food sector
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong public speaking ability
  • Communicate the mission and vision of Fresh Farm HQ
  • Other duties as assigned
Apply by April 17th

Submit a cover letter and resume including at least 3 business references to:  info@freshfarmhq.com

Thanks for your interest,

Katie Nixon
FFHQ, Board of Directors Secretary