Director of Operations

Flavor Farms is a fresh produce importer with operations in South Jersey and California. We were formed in 2023 by four partners — three grower-shippers from Peru and Chile, and one of the most reputable and long-established wholesalers in the country, with over 100 years in produce and deep knowledge of the North American retail market. We've grown fast and now supply premium retailers across the country.

We're hiring a hands-on Director of Operations to run our East Coast business day to day: fruit from vessel arrival through cold storage, repack, and delivery into retail DCs. You'll lead a small team, and report directly to the CEO and partners. This is a build-and-run role for someone who wants to own an operation, not a seat in an existing hierarchy.

What You'll Do

• Manage inbound container arrivals through the Philadelphia / South Jersey ports — drayage, customs, USDA/FDA inspections, and cold storage receiving.
• Own arrival quality control: inspect, grade, document, and make fast disposition decisions that protect margin and customer relationships.
• Run daily repack and value-added production to each retailer's spec, controlling shrink, waste, and line efficiency.
• Direct outbound logistics — carriers, brokers, and 3PLs — for on-time, temperature-sound delivery into retail DCs nationwide.
• Lead customer service and order fulfillment, resolving orders, claims, and quality issues quickly and professionally.
• Coordinate daily in Spanish with our Peru and Chile grower partners on arrivals, forecasts, specs, and quality feedback.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and audit readiness across all handling and production areas.
• Report weekly on inventory, logistics cost, service, and quality KPIs directly to ownership.
• Hire, train, and develop the operations team as the business scales.

What You Need

• 7+ years in produce or perishable operations, logistics, or distribution, including 3+ years leading a team.
• Fully bilingual English/Spanish — required for daily communication with our South American partners.
• Working knowledge of cold-chain logistics, perishable inventory, and food safety standards.
• Experience managing carriers, freight providers, and 3PL partners.
• Comfort with ERP and inventory systems (Famous, Produce Pro, Silo, or similar) and strong Excel skills.
• A hands-on leadership style — you're as comfortable in the cooler as in a KPI review.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Southern New Jersey.
• This is an on-site role.

Preferred: experience with imported South American fruit, port and customs processes, and premium retail accounts.

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a full benefits package.