Director of Operations #1590S

Job Description:

A premier importer and distributor of fresh fruit in North America with a principal focus on citrus and table grapes is searching for a Director of Operations.
The Director of Operations reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations including inventory management and security, clearance and entry of all products, quality control processes, storage and handling disciplines and systems, operational liaison with service providers, customs brokers, shipping lines, value-adding partners, and regulatory agencies, FSMA compliance.
This position requires a strong results-orientated leader with exceptional inter-personal skills, and a proven commitment to planning, efficiency and detail.
Functions:

Advise the Vice President on all operational and strategic issues as they arise and provide strategic recommendations based on operational analysis and process control.
Manage staffing and operations at all east coast facilities including product receiving systems, inventory management and rotation, inventory security, customer dispatch.
Liaise with regulatory officials as required and represent the company before regulatory agencies on operational matters.
Act as primary operational point of contact with service providers including shipping lines, warehouse operators, long shore service providers, value-adding service providers.
Oversee all operations at value-adding facilities to ensure proper staffing, efficient product usage.
Provide and maintain systems for ongoing monitoring of incoming cargo and providing information to sales team.
Instilling and maintaining a culture of teamwork through inclusion and continuity within all departments.
Meet and liaise with producers and exporters and their agents and representatives when visiting operations facilities.
Ensure compliance with FSMA regulations at all facilities.
Updating and maintaining product recall procedures.
Maintaining traceability protocols and updating as required.
Identifying opportunities to eliminate waste while improving plant efficiencies.
Provide the Vice President with advice regarding operations at facilities in Texas and California to ensure they are operating efficiently.
Identifying, developing, and implementing best practices in safety and quality.
Review performance of operations department employee performance, monitor productivity, efficiency, prepare assessment reports, and prepare reports for management.
Participation in budgeting, and interact with vendors and suppliers.

Requirements:

Must be proficient in written and oral communications, remain well versed of company policy and procedures, and have the ability to identify and define process controls.
Ability to prioritize tasks and be efficient with time management as the scope of the position is broad and multifaceted.
Knowledgeable of supply cost chain including costs associated with receiving and value-adding services.
Able to work flexible and long hours when needed.
Work closely with management and operations including quality control and allocation to identify, develop, and implement required processes and protocol.
Ability to inspire and motivate supervisors and employees through leadership and example.

Team Management:

Oversee, develop, and manage direct staff, to include managers in operations, quality control, and allocation.
Engage and work closely with other managers of senior management teams, to include, CEO, CFO, Sales, and Procurement.

Desired Skills & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Systems and Operations management or related field preferred.
Ten years experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, food processing, or packing plant environment, and working knowledge and experience in production/processing systems.
Working agriculture background.
Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach senior level staff to manage and develop high performance teams to implement company strategies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, a persuasive and passionate communicator.
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management.
Analytical and decisive decision maker with the ability to achieve organizational goals.
Excellent time management skills with strong ability to lead, plan, and manage change and culture.