POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Operations, the Director of National Operations oversees all tactical and strategic operational functions across the company’s fresh produce import business. This position partners closely with Senior Management, Sales, Transportation, Sourcing, and Quality Control to ensure the seamless flow of product through ports, cold storage, and customer destinations nationwide. This leader drives continuous operational improvement and plays a key role in shaping long-term strategy.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee national operational execution from port to customer across all U.S. geographies.

• Develop and implement strategic and tactical operational initiatives aligned with company goals.

• Collaborate with executive leadership to design supply chain strategies that ensure efficiency and cold chain integrity.

• Develop 3- and 5-year operational plans for the core business in collaboration with Senior Management and lead the execution of these plans.

• Lead the transformation of the Operations department into a revenue-generating business unit offering third-party operational services.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, shipping lines, vendors, importers, port and warehouse personnel, and other key stakeholders.

• Serve as the lead negotiator for vendor rates and operating contracts to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service.

• Build and lead a high-performing national operations team.

• Oversee recruitment, development, and performance management.

• Serve as the lead liaison with government agencies (USDA, CBP, FDA, etc.) for national compliance matters.

• Ensure compliance with and enforcement of all Federal, State, and local food safety and import regulations, including HACCP protocols.

• Establish KPIs for operational performance and regularly report outcomes to leadership.

• Develop and manage national operational budgets and cost-efficiency plans.

• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, tools, and infrastructure to enhance operations.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties and projects as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership & Teambuilding

• Communication & Collaboration

• Strategic Thinking & Planning

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Cold Chain Logistics

• Process Optimization & Efficiency

• Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge

• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position will be considered. Typically, this includes:

• Bachelor’s degree, foreign equivalent, or equivalent work experience in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a closely related degree from an accredited institution is strongly preferred.

• 10+ years of direct or related experience in fresh produce logistics, supply chain, import/export operations, or related roles in the fresh produce industry is required.

• 5+ years’ experience in a senior management or director-level role is required.

• Proven experience managing multi-site or national operations is required.

• Bi-lingual English Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The knowledge, skills, and abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive, and additional qualifications may be required depending on business needs.

• Expertise in USDA, FSMA, PPQ, CBP, and FDA regulations and their practical application within national operations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team-building capabilities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Fact-based decision making and openness to process improvement.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Demonstrates adaptability, integrity, and accountability.

• Ability to navigate and resolve conflict constructively.

• Ability to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to operate a vehicle to visit port locations, inland warehouses, and cold storage facilities.

• Ability to travel as Company needs require.

• Ability to work extended hours, evenings and/or weekends as Company needs require.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.

• Work Location: Office 80% / Cold Storage 20%.

• Stress Level: Moderate to high, particularly high during the peak season. Stress is driven by tight deadlines, multi-tasking, and the fast-paced nature of the fresh produce industry.

• Noise Level: Office noise level is low to moderate. Noise level in cold storage is moderate to loud

• Temperature: Cold storage temperature can be at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a desk, speaking on the phone, and working on a computer.

• Ability to work in cold storage environments.

• Sustained frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands, elbows, and arms, with twisting, bending, and stooping.

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and focus.

• Sustained periods of standing and walking during port locations, inland warehouses, and cold storage visits.

• Must be able to lift up to 45lbs.