Senior Manager - California Farming & Operations

Sun World International is a leading agricultural research, licensing, and marketing company focused on developing and commercializing premium fruit varieties that deliver value across the global fresh produce supply chain. Through world-class breeding programs, advanced technologies, and a global network of growers and partners, Sun World is committed to accelerating innovation and delivering exceptional fruit experiences to consumers worldwide. About the Department: The Farming & Operations team provides the foundation for Sun World's global breeding and research programs. The team is responsible for creating and maintaining high-quality table grape and fruit tree crops that enable breeders and scientists to evaluate, select, and advance the next generation of proprietary fruit varieties. Through expert crop management, operational excellence, infrastructure development, and continuous innovation, the team ensures that Sun World's research farms consistently deliver reliable, high-quality results that support the company's long-term breeding objectives. The Senior Manager - California Farming & Operations is responsible for leading farming & operations across Sun World's California research and trialing locations, including the company's flagship R&D headquarters in Wasco and additional research sites in Cutler and Coachella, California. This role holds a critical leadership position within the R&D organization, leading through the Farm Manager, Specialists, and external farm-management partners to ensure research crops are managed to the highest standards in open-field and greenhouse environments, while maintaining facilities in excellent condition to provide a safe, functional, and professional work environment. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise in crop production, exceptional leadership and communication skills, sound business judgment, experience in site operations activities, and the ability to solve complex agricultural and operations challenges in a dynamic research environment while delivering results against agreed goals and KPIs set by the team and leadership. Why This Role Matters The Senior Manager - California Farming & Operations is responsible for creating the growing environments and ensuring optimal facilities that enable Sun World's breeding programs to succeed. By leading people, optimizing operations, and ensuring exceptional crop performance, this role directly contributes to the development of future Sun World varieties and the long-term success of the company's global innovation pipeline. Responsibilities: 1. Leadership & Team Development Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to farming teams across Sun World's California operations. Directly manage key personnel at the Wasco research site, including the Farm Manager, technical specialists, Facilities and Procurement Specialist and other operational staff. Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement. Develop talent, succession plans, and professional growth opportunities for team members. Promote strong communication and alignment across Farming & Operations, Breeding, and Business functions. 2. California Farming & Operations Leadership Provide overall operational leadership for Sun World's California research and trialing locations in Wasco, Cutler, and Coachella. Oversee crop production plans, resource allocation, operational scheduling, and field execution. Responsible for maintaining our sites, including laboratory, offices, show rooms, at a high standard to allow researchers, employees and visitors to operate in safe, first-class facilities. Partner with breeding teams to ensure field operations support research objectives and breeding strategies. 3. Safety and Health Lead Safety and Health efforts in our California R&D facilities and fields. Identify risks, create contingency plans and procedures and all OSHA requirements that will keep our team members safe and healthy. C…

View the full posting and apply