Nicole, Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers : Advize Career Interview

A career journey from Cal Poly's agricultural communication program to Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, this professional's path showcases a blend of diverse experiences, including a stint at a spice manufacturing facility and an initial role as a certification specialist.

The Director of Operations manages over 1200 clients, focusing on streamlined workflows and inclusive leadership. A typical day involves addressing urgent issues, attending meetings, and proactively improving processes.

Success in this role relies on strong soft skills—communication, project management, adaptability, and leadership—more so than technical skills.

The most rewarding aspects are making a tangible difference, fostering a positive work environment, and contributing to a sustainable industry.

Challenges include change management and balancing priorities, but the constant learning and evolution within the organic certification field are highly fulfilling.

Aspiring professionals should possess a passion for the work, attention to detail, and adaptability, while understanding the ever-changing regulatory landscape and the importance of continuous improvement.

Entry-level positions include certification specialists and, increasingly, roles requiring USDA Organic Integrity Learning Center training.

A significant career lesson learned is that continuous improvement, not perfection, is the ultimate goal. Finally, a crucial takeaway from navigating the workforce is the importance of advocating for fair compensation.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Nicole Davis

Director of Operations

Organic Certifiers

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

N/A

Communications

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

Operations and Project Management

Greek Life Member

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Career Path Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

Nicole's career journey began with choosing "agricultural communication" as their major at Cal Poly, followed by an internship at the Cheesecake Factory and a first job as a certification specialist at Organic Certifiers. A brief stint as a quality assurance assistant manager at a spice manufacturing facility preceded their return to Organic Certifiers, ultimately leading to their current role as Director of Operations, showcasing a blend of industry experience and career pivots.

Career Path Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

Main Responsibilities Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

As Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, Nicole oversees daily operations for over 1200 clients, focusing on "standardizing workflow and forms" for efficiency. This includes a leadership style that fosters an inclusive environment, empowers employees through weekly huddles, and drives strategic initiatives such as implementing new software to improve efficiency and eliminate redundant tasks.

Main Responsibilities Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

A Day In The Life Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

A Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, Nicole, describes "every day is different," starting with email review and addressing urgent matters before engaging in three to five meetings covering daily operational issues. The insightful aspect of their work includes documenting processes and creating policies to address recurring problems efficiently, showcasing a proactive and detail-oriented approach to management.

A Day In The Life Of A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

Most Important Skills for a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

For a Director of Operations, strong "soft skills" such as "communication skills, project management, adaptability and flexibility, and leadership" are paramount, exceeding the importance of technical skills like Microsoft Suite proficiency and familiarity with industry-specific software. The ability to "lead teams and empower employees to be decision makers," while navigating a dynamic environment and mastering new technologies, is key to success in this role.

Most Important Skills for a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

Nicole, Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, finds fulfillment in "making a tangible difference" by improving processes and fostering a collaborative environment. This passion for creating "a great place to work," evolving from a client-focused role to an employee-focused one, highlights their dedication to positive impact through innovation and efficiency.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

Nicole, Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, cites "change management" and "balancing priorities" as the biggest challenges. The multifaceted nature of the role, requiring a "jack of all trades" approach across various business aspects, necessitates skillful prioritization amidst competing demands and the need for consistent team buy-in during process implementations.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

Favorite Parts of Working in the Organic Certification Industry as a Director of Operations

Nicole, a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, finds the organic certification industry deeply rewarding because she "believe[s] in it," supporting sustainable and ethical food practices while enjoying the constant evolution and learning opportunities within a rapidly growing field; the frequent engaging conversations with others about this unique industry also provide a personally fulfilling aspect to the career.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Organic Certification Industry as a Director of Operations

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Organic Industry, According To An Organic Certifiers Director Of Operations

Nicole, a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, identifies passion for the work, "attention to detail," and adaptability as key traits for success in the organic certification industry. Maintaining compliance and navigating regulatory changes requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret "fine details," whether in documentation or through observation.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Organic Industry, According To An Organic Certifiers Director Of Operations

What A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Organic Certification Industry

Nicole, a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, advises that the organic certification industry is "constantly changing" and requires continuous learning, along with the ability to thrive in a sometimes chaotic environment. Overcoming imposter syndrome, a feeling Nicole experienced due to their age, is also crucial for success, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and the realization that "everyone is out here winging it."

What A Director Of Operations At Organic Certifiers Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Organic Certification Industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Organic Certification Professionals

Nicole, a Director of Operations, started as an entry-level "certification specialist," leveraging her agricultural communication degree; however, the evolving regulatory landscape now necessitates supplemental training via resources like the USDA Organic Integrity Learning Center, which is beneficial for aspiring "organic inspectors" or "customer success coordinators."

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Organic Certification Professionals

Significant Career Lesson from a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

Nicole, Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers, learned that "improvement is the goal, perfection's not," emphasizing continuous process enhancement for efficiency gains. Small, incremental improvements, rather than striving for unattainable perfection, ultimately yield significant impact on their career.

Significant Career Lesson from a Director of Operations at Organic Certifiers

How Identity Has Influenced A Director Of Operations' Career At Organic Certifiers

Nicole, a Director of Operations, notes the persistent pay gap between men and women, observing that "women statistically get paid less than men for doing the same jobs." This experience led to a crucial lesson: knowing one's worth and "speak[ing] up for the fair compensation that you deserve."

How Identity Has Influenced A Director Of Operations' Career At Organic Certifiers

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