Join the JVI Team

John Vena Inc. (JVI) is currently seeking an Assistant Ripening Manager to join our accomplished Ripening team. The Assistant Ripening Manager is responsible for all functions and operations of the department as assigned and in the absence of the Manager. The person in this role maintains John Vena Inc. quality assurance standards by inspecting, documenting, and approving all incoming fruit, in-process production, and finished/packed fruit product, and reporting quality results. Maintains John Vena Inc. ripening standards by accurately conditioning product to customers’ specific needs. Maintains an accurate “hard” and “conditioned” inventory daily.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspects and approves incoming fruit by confirming product specifications, conducting visual and measurements tests, and quarantining unacceptable fruit product.
• Documents all quality-related production activities and reports any quality discrepancies. This will include re-packs and/or re-grading for key customers.
• Notifies Ripening Manager and sales teams of fruit that is in “danger” or “critical” to sell.
• Documents inspection results by completing quality reports and logs.
• Maintains measurement and testing equipment in operational condition.
• Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures, including compliance with FDA, USDA, and company policies.
• Accomplishes quality and organizational missions through task and inspection completions.
• Manages ripening process by placing product into ripening rooms at the correct temperature and cooling it down fully to ensure product arrives to the customer at the correct stage of ripeness.
• Provides an accurate daily physical count of every conditioned and non-conditioned box in the building.
• Performs all tasks and duties in an efficient and safe manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as necessary. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by departmental and organizational needs.
• Represents John Vena Inc. in a manner of professionalism, confidentiality, courtesy, fairness, personal integrity, and respect for others.

The Assistant Ripening Manager may be required to work occasional Sundays and some weeks will require six days of work.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Must be computer and Microsoft Office proficient
• Must have the ability to work with everyday warehouse equipment and the specialized tools used in fruit section and pre-conditioning
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must have basic math skills and be able to communicate data/information to various stakeholders within the organization
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated

Education/Experience

• Experience with information, data analysis, and data entry
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• College degree preferred
• Three (3) to five (5) years produce warehouse experience
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience with fruit ripening equipment

 

John Vena Inc. (JVI) is currently seeking a Director of Production to join and lead our accomplished Production team. The Director of Production plays a pivotal role in leading the entire Production team by creating an innovative, engaged team that meets their goals. This person will oversee the entire Packing production operation and ensure the team has everything they need to accomplish their goals. They will own product quality, inventory levels and output of finished goods. The Director will also have the opportunity to spearhead innovation with investigating, designing, and implementing changes for all packing tasks by suggesting new and/or improved processes, material, equipment, and machinery to be used by all crews.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the work of the Packing Room Manager, Assistant Packing Room Managers, Team Leaders, and the team Packers.
• Manage the appropriate supplies of all packing material, maintenance of all tools, and machines and equipment.
• Select suppliers and negotiate purchases in collaboration with the President and established budgets.
• Owns product quality, inventory levels and output of finished goods.
• Work with the Food Safety Manager to ensure the food safety practices of the packing room staff and facilities. Plan and implement procedures to support all third-party audits.
• Design and implement processes for all packing tasks making necessary suggestions and changes to material, equipment, and machinery to be used by all crews.
• Facilitate packaged product development through packaging material selection and shelf-life testing.
• Any additional duties and responsibilities requested or needed by the team or the business.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with internal and external stake holders at all levels of an organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead and be part of a team.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Relentless attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities.
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to speak English and Spanish fluently preferred.
• The ability to work in a cold, refrigerated environment.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or 4-year equivalent, required. Field of study in business or agribusiness will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years fresh produce or perishable packing management experience required.
• Experience with product labor and production cost management required.
• Proficiency with computers including MS Office suite and other applications required.
• Solid understanding of food safety protocols and audits.

 

John Vena Inc. (JVI) is currently seeking a Manager of Import Sales to join our accomplished Sales team. The Manager will play a pivotal role by managing the produce import program for the company, connecting new and existing customers to the international produce supply chain. He/She/They will develop and service a wide customer base of produce consumers. The Manager of Import Sales will also assist in maintaining strong relationships with growers, shippers, and distributors of fresh produce. This position will work closely with the Director of Sales and the sales team to review product quality and assist in developing sales plans.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, solicit, and qualify new import produce customers for JVI Inc.
• Develop opportunities for import sales to large retailers and wholesale distributors.
• Create annual plans to capitalize on the sales opportunities and relationships.
• Ensure customers receive regular updates about produce availability, quality and price.
• Coordinate receiving, storage, and inventory of produce, including utilizing 3^rd party vendors.
• Arrange for Quality Control (QC) inspections, product reconditioning, or bagging.
• Report monthly performance metrics to the Director of Sales.
• Ensure accurate product count in the system.
• Ensure Purchase Orders are entered into the system, all necessary shipping docs created, and that orders are shipped/received.
• Any additional duties and responsibilities requested or needed by the team or the business.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with internal and external stake holders at all levels of an organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well on a team.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Relentless attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities.
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computers including MS Office suite and other applications.
• Strong basic math skills.

Education/Experience

• High School degree, or equivalent, required. Bachelor’s degree in business or agribusiness field of study will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales of imported produce required.
• Deep understanding and knowledge customs protocols for sea and air shipments of produce.
• Understanding of USDA impart regulations.
• Experience with produce importers or produce brokers preferred.
• Existing and active relationships with growers, shippers, and distributors of fresh produce.

 

John Vena Inc. (JVI) is currently seeking Order Selectors to join our accomplished Operations team. JVI’s team of Selectors are responsible for supporting product handling activities across our line of hundreds of specialty fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Duties can include order fulfillment, loading, unloading, lot rotation, and assistance with inventory.

Shifts available include:

• 6 AM to 2 PM
• 8 AM to 4 PM

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurately picks produce orders from tickets and bills of lading.
• Properly handles product to maintain quality.
• Provides timely and courteous delivery to customer vehicles.
• Alerts the sales and buying teams to quality issues or other unexpected concerns.
• Maintains tidiness of all products and packages in the coolers.
• Monitors facilities and equipment, including performance of refrigeration systems in assigned coolers.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and write English
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well on a team
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong basic math skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 LBS
• Understanding of proper perishable product handling
• Knowledge of the operation of warehouse equipment and machines
• Basic knowledge of warehouse procedures

 

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• One (1) to three (3) years warehouse or produce business experience required

 

This is a Union Position. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer comprehensive health and retirement benefits according to our Union Contract. We offer exciting opportunities to take ownership of one’s own work in a fast-paced environment focused on quality.

John Vena Inc. (JVI) is currently seeking Packers to work under the direction of the Packing Shift Leader.  Multiple shifts are available, both day and night. The person in this role is responsible for packing an assorted list of commodities into several types of packaging by hand or machine according to customer specifications.  The Packer will be held accountable for a quota of cases or units per hour.  The position will be expected to adhere to all food safety and general safety practices at all times.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Packs/re-packs on a daily basis according to company needs.
• Completes all activities assigned in the packing room.
• Assists with maintaining a clean packing environment at John Vena Inc.
• Works with teams in other areas during busy or peak times.
• Helps with general cleaning and housekeeping for John Vena Inc. as assigned.
• Reports all concerns with packing, product quality, inventory, and safety to the Shift Leader immediately.
• Performs all tasks and duties in an efficient and safe manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as necessary. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by departmental and organizational needs.
• Represents John Vena Inc. in a manner that conveys professionalism, confidentiality, courtesy, fairness, personal integrity, and respect for others.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work independently
• Strong basic math skills

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred