About the Opportunity

The Senior Manager of Distribution Operations is responsible for the company-owned and -operated distribution centers, third-party logistics providers, and grower operations relating to the receiving, packing, cooling, and shipping of fruit, as well as the storage and distribution of plants. He/she will be responsible for managing various priorities in a setting where providing exceptional customer service is the top priority. He/she is responsible for overseeing the Distribution Center Managers in their region and ensuring that all distribution centers and packhouses within their area of responsibility have a streamlined product flow and excellent cold chain management. You will be responsible for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and improving service and the quality of fruit and plants. This is achieved by creating regional operating plans, developing and implementing best practice processes, and leading efforts to adopt equipment and technology solutions. Also, at specific strategic sites, the responsibilities will include product line packing, MPS/MRP, and other manufacturing-related processes. He/she is a strategic leader to support the achievement of the Supply Chain Group goals related to people development, safety, cold chain management, fruit rotation, service and warehouse execution. Ensures facilities under his/her umbrella comply with Good Manufacturing Practices related to Food Safety. Demonstrate an ability to transfer vision into realities. Responsible for Functional Work Group Planning (FWGP) and CPI (Continuous Process Improvement) implementation in Distribution Operations in their assigned region. Travel within their district will be required. (Up to 30%)

Responsibilities

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for multi-location warehouse operations and distribution centers within his/her region
• Achieve operating performance targets in safety, quality, customer service and efficiency
• Optimize the network of company-owned and 3PL warehouses in his/her region
• Monitor and manage inventory accuracy and order fill improvement efforts
• Identify gaps in performance in his/her region and address them jointly with the DC Managers and 3PLs
• Ability to meet established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) across multiple departments
• Responsible for maintaining and implementing warehouse safety programs to provide a safe and clean workplace for employees and within the regulations of all OSHA local and state regulations
• Lead and develop DC managers in best practices using collaborative style leadership and coaching
• Establish and monitor objectives for DC Managers and 3PLs working in collaboration with the Central Support Distribution Group
• Develop and assist in the creation and management of the yearly operating and capital expense budgets
• Design the development of short and mid-range projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the distribution department
• This will include assisting in the planning for building and facility expansion and contract cooling requirements, staffing and equipment requirements for Driscoll’s and contract facilities
• Monitor operating costs, implement sound audit controls and develop action plans to address cost variances
• Assist in the development and support of internal systems and business processes (warehouse management systems, barcoding, scheduling and appointments 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 monitoring that Standard Operating Procedures are being executed and directing process improvement
• By collaborating with the DC Managers and 3PLs, ensures the maintenance and upkeep of the distribution center to follow good manufacturing practices and regulatory standards
• Responsible for enforcement of security measures and compliance with food safety and bio-terrorism regulations
• Responsible for facility performance of all internal and external audits (local, state and federal inspections)
• Nurture, support and promote the company Mission, Vision and Values
• Follow 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.
• Ensure the confidentiality of all Driscoll’s proprietary information

Candidate Profile

Title

Sr. Manager – Distribution Operations

Department

Supply Chain

Reports To

Sr. Director Distribution - U.S. & Canada

Location

Watsonville, California

Classification

Regular; Full-Time

Pay Status

Exempt 

Job Level

M3

Mobility

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Manager of Distribution Operations is responsible for the company-owned and -operated distribution centers, third-party logistics providers, and grower operations relating to the receiving, packing, cooling, and shipping of fruit, as well as the storage and distribution of plants. He/she will be responsible for managing various priorities in a setting where providing exceptional customer service is the top priority. He/she is responsible for overseeing the Distribution Center Managers in their region and ensuring that all distribution centers and packhouses within their area of responsibility have a streamlined product flow and excellent cold chain management. You will be responsible for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and improving service and the quality of fruit and plants. This is achieved by creating regional operating plans, developing and implementing best practice processes, and leading efforts to adopt equipment and technology solutions.  Also, at specific strategic sites, the responsibilities will include product line packing, MPS/MRP, and other manufacturing-related processes. He/she is a strategic leader to support the achievement of the Supply Chain Group goals related to people development, safety, cold chain management, fruit rotation, service and warehouse execution.

Ensures facilities under his/her umbrella comply with Good Manufacturing Practices related to Food Safety. Demonstrate an ability to transfer vision into realities. Responsible for Functional Work Group Planning (FWGP) and CPI (Continuous Process Improvement) implementation in Distribution Operations in their assigned region. Travel within their district will be required (Up to 30%).

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management, Engineering Business Administration or equivalent experience
• Must have 10 plus years’ experience with Warehousing, Distribution, Logistics and Inventory Systems
• Familiar with 3PL management
• Experience in managing a team of business professionals
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong problem solving abilities
• Ability to delegate and empower employees responsibly
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• String influencing skills and capable of gaining consensus
• Customer service focus
• Experience with process management and practical implementation of technology required.
• Analytical ability to develop and monitor measurable goals
• Valid California driver’s license and eligibility for use of company vehicle

Preferred Qualifications & Leadership Competencies

• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions
• Strategic Mindset: Looks toward the future and designs a way to get there
• Cultivates Innovation: Finds, champions, and implements innovations; large or small
• Plans & Aligns: Establishes priorities and desired outcomes, and creates plans to achieve them
• Drives Results: Pursues everything with energy, resourcefulness, and the need to achieve desired outcomes
• Collaborates: Works with a variety of colleagues, inside and/or outside of Driscoll’s, seeking win-wins solutions
• Drives Engagement: Creates a motivating work environment and empowers others
• Develops Talent: Actively seeks opportunities to develop one’s self and others
• Courage: Tackles difficult issues timely with optimism and transparency

Compensation & Benefits:

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors. 

Salary Range estimated for Sr. Manager, Distribution Management: $112,000 to $165,000 USD.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include:  401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

ABOUT DRISCOLL’S

Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of passion, humility, and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™. For more information, please visit our website at www.driscolls.com.

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job’s responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

---

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.