Gopa Kumar

With over 3 years of experience overseeing the efficient operation and maintenance of facilities, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your organization's success. I have a proven track record in managing physical infrastructure, optimizing space utilization, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong leadership skills with a focus on team collaboration and stakeholder management. I have effectively managed budgets, planned resources, and controlled costs to achieve organizational objectives while maintaining high standards of quality. Additionally, I am committed to implementing sustainable practices and driving continuous improvement within facility operations.

In my current role as a greenhouse facilities manager at Randhawa Farms Ltd, I have been responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of a greenhouse facility. Some of my key responsibilities include conducting regular inspections, managing construction projects, developing, and implementing standard operating procedures, monitoring environmental factors crucial for plant growth, collaborating with horticulturists to develop crop cultivation plans, managing inventory and supply chain, and recruiting and training greenhouse staff.

Prior to my role as a facilities manager, I worked as a packing operator at Randhawa Farms Ltd. This experience allowed me to develop strong attention to detail, efficiency, and commitment to quality in handling, sorting, and packaging harvested produce. I was responsible for ensuring proper packaging, labeling, quality control, equipment operation and maintenance, inventory management, and compliance with safety and hygiene regulations.

Before joining Randhawa Farms Ltd, I worked as a customer account specialist at British Airways, where I provided excellent customer service and managed customer accounts. I handled customer inquiries, resolved issues, managed bookings, promoted additional services, and ensured compliance with policies and regulations. Prior to that, I served as a sales lead at IBM Global Services, where I managed client relationships, drove new business development, led a sales team, and promoted solution selling.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Economics from Government Arts College Alwar, University of Rajasthan. Additionally, I have completed a 1-year Diploma in Computer Application from NIIT, New Delhi, and obtained the ITIL Foundation Certificate from IBM.

Some of my skills are - computer skills, MS-office, price negotiation, upselling, time management, leadership.

Facilities Manager

Jan 2020 – to date

Randhawa Farms Ltd, Abbotsford, BC

As a greenhouse facilities manager, my role is crucial in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of a greenhouse facility. I am responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the greenhouse, including its physical infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. My primary goal is to create and maintain an optimal environment for plant growth and productivity. Here are some detailed responsibilities associated with my role:

Facility Management:

• Conduct regular inspections of the greenhouse facility to ensure it is in good condition, addressing any maintenance or repair needs promptly.
• Manage greenhouse construction or renovation projects, including planning, budgeting, and coordinating with contractors or suppliers.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various greenhouse activities, such as watering, fertilizing, pest control, and ventilation.

Environmental Control:

• Monitor and control environmental factors crucial for plant growth, such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels.
• Utilize and maintain automated systems and technologies (e.g., climate control systems, irrigation systems) to optimize plant conditions and resource efficiency.
• Implement strategies for energy conservation and sustainable practices within the greenhouse facility.

Crop Management:

• Collaborate with horticulturists or plant scientists to develop crop cultivation plans, including crop selection, planting schedules, and nutrient management.
• Ensure proper irrigation practices and monitor water quality to prevent overwatering or water-related issues.
• Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to monitor and control pests, diseases, and weeds, minimizing the use of chemical pesticides whenever possible.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management:

• Manage inventory levels of seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, growing media, and other supplies required for greenhouse operations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials, negotiate prices, and maintain good relationships with vendors.
• Track and analyze resource usage, production yields, and other key performance indicators to optimize resource allocation and minimize waste.

Staff Management and Training:

• Recruit, train, and supervise greenhouse staff, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively.
• Schedule and organize work shifts, assigning tasks and responsibilities to the team members.
• Foster a positive work environment, promote teamwork, and address any employee concerns or performance issues.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, permits, and safety standards applicable to greenhouse operations.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and emergency response plans, conducting regular safety inspections.
• Stay updated with industry advancements, research, and best practices related to greenhouse management, implementing new techniques or technologies when appropriate.

In summary, my role as a greenhouse facilities manager encompasses overseeing the day-to-day operations of the greenhouse, optimizing environmental conditions for plant growth, managing resources and supplies, leading a team, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. My expertise and effective management contribute to the success and productivity of the greenhouse facility.

• Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Economics) 

Government Arts College Alwar, University of Rajasthan 1997

(Equivalent to a 3years graduation program in Canada, assessed by the World education society (WES))

• In economics, I delve into various topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic development, international trade, and finance. During this course, I learned how to analyze economic data, understand market dynamics, evaluate policy implications, and explore various factors influencing economic growth and development.
• In geography, I explored the physical and human aspects of the Earth’s surface, including landforms, climate patterns, population dynamics, urbanization, and resource management.

• 1-year Diploma in Computer Application 

NIIT, New Delhi 2000

• During this certification, I learned a range of computer application concepts and acquired practical skills to use computers effectively. I learned Computer fundamentals, office productivity tools, database management, basics of web design and development, programming concepts, computer networks, and internet basics.

• ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation Certificate

IBM 2012

• The ITIL foundation certificate is the entry-level certification within the ITIL certification scheme. It is designed for individuals who want to gain a basic understanding of IT service management concepts and processes. The certification focuses on the key elements, terminology, and concepts of ITIL framework.

+ MS-Project training (Invensis) 2020

• During the course, I learned to create a project plan, task scheduling and dependencies, resource management, track and update projects, project views and reports, baselines, and change management, and advanced features and customizations.

+ Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (TUV SUD) 2020

• A lean sigma yellow belt certification is a professional credential that signifies a foundation-level of knowledge and understanding of Lean six sigma methodologies, Lean Six Sigma combines two powerful approaches, Lean and Six Sigma, to improve processes, eliminate waste, and reduce variation in order to enhance efficiency and quality within the organization.