JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for product and material handling (fruit, shipping materials and packaging supplies), inventory control management and insuring the accuracy and integrity of customer shipments. Provides the leadership necessary to lead and develop a staff and strengthen employee relationships, drive employee empowerment, promote and champion employee safety, instill and exemplify company values and develop all employees within their functional areas of responsibility. Demonstrates an ability to transfer vision into realities and successfully execute new company initiatives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, agriculture, business, or related field or equivalent experience in distribution or operations management. Ten years or more of progressively responsible management experience. Strong business knowledge of perishable commodities and working knowledge of refrigeration systems required. Proven leadership ability to influence, develop and empower employees to achieve their personal potential in addition to corporate objectives. Excellent skills in communication, motivation, innovation, adaptability and interpersonal relations. Experience with process management and practical implementation of technology required. Analytical ability to set-up and monitor measurable goals. Bilingual English/Spanish useful. Some travel required. Valid California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning and Budgeting: Develop and assist in the planning and ration of the region/distribution strategic vision and five year operating plan. Design the development of short and long range projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the region/distribution department s and Driscoll’s five year plan. This will include assisting in the planning for building and facility expansion and contract cooling requirements, staffing requirements, and the preparation of operating expense and capital budgets for DSA and contract facilities. Monitor operating costs, implement sound audit controls and develop action plans to address cost variances.

Process Management: Assist in the development and support of internal systems and business processes (warehouse management systems, bar coding, RFID implementation, scheduling and appointment processes). Will match new technologies with desired processes, standardize procedures and develop systems to optimize resources. Will identify areas for improvement; troubleshoot situations, delegate responsibilities and monitor results of implementation. Responsible for developing and managing Standard Operating Procedures, directing process improvement initiatives and developing and implementing operational audits.

Managing Throughput of Product and Materials: Manage the proper receiving, cooling and shipping functions in Driscoll’s distribution facilities and contract cooling locations and proved resolution to inventory and distribution concerns. Manage the distribution of packaging materials to growers and provide resolution in inventory concerns.

Facilities Management: Manage the maintenance and upkeep of the distribution center to ensure the facility follows good manufacturing practices and regulatory standards. Responsible for enforcement of security measures and compliance with bioterrorism regulations.

Supervision: Will build, develop and supervise a team to handle the receiving, cooling, shipping and distribution of in-bound and out-bound flow of product. Supports, promotes and places a high priority on workplace safety. Responsible for the development, training and evaluation of employees on a continuous basis.

Communication: Ensures effective collaboration and communication with Market, Operations, Production and Services groups and all other departments for greater efficiencies and attainment of Driscoll’s strategic plan. Responsible to develop and maintain vendor and grower relationships.

Professionalism: Nurtures, supports and promotes the company Mission, Vision and Values. Follows company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, customers, etc. Ensures the confidentiality of all Driscoll’s proprietary information. Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.