Senior Manager, California Farming and Operations

Job overview

The Senior Manager, California Farming and Operations works onsite in Wasco, CA, with responsibility for research and trialing locations in Wasco, Cutler, and Coachella, CA. The base salary range is $150,000–$185,000 per year, plus a target annual bonus of 20%. The Farming & Operations team supports Sun World’s global breeding and research programs by maintaining high-quality crops and research sites. The manager leads farming operations, teams, facilities, and external partners to support crop performance and research objectives. By improving operations and maintaining reliable growing environments, the role contributes to the development of future fruit varieties and the company’s innovation pipeline.

What you'll do

• Lead and coach farming teams across California operations
• oversee crop production plans, resource allocation, scheduling, and field execution
• maintain research sites and facilities
• partner with breeding teams
• lead safety and health efforts and ensure compliance with OSHA and pesticide requirements
• oversee crop management practices, including irrigation, nutrition, pest management, pruning, and canopy management
• direct external farm-management partners
• improve operational efficiency and adopt technology
• establish and monitor KPIs
• manage budgets, expenditures, capital projects, facilities, and procurement.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

full-time

senior manager

california farming and operations

agricultural operations

research farms

crop production

fruit breeding

table grapes

wasco ca

cutler ca

coachella ca

$150k–$185k plus 20% target bonus

regular travel

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Full benefits package including insurance coverage and 401(k) with company match
• flexible vacation time
• relocation assistance offered to successful candidates living outside the area.

Why this role

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related agricultural or biological field, at least 10 years of progressively responsible agricultural operations experience, and at least five years of people leadership. Regular travel between California research locations is required.

About the employer

Sun World International, LLC is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Sector: 54.