Director of Operations - Fresh Produce & Cold Chain

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Director of Operations with comprehensive expertise in fresh produce and cold chain logistics to oversee multiple distribution centers across the United States from our Miami, Florida hub. Reporting directly to the President/General Manager and functionally to the Chief Operating Officer, this leadership role commands a broad operational scope including warehousing, transportation, inventory management, cold chain integrity, food safety, grower relations, and overarching supply chain activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and set strategic direction for operations across numerous U.S. distribution centers.
• Manage warehousing, transportation, inventory, cold storage, food safety, supplier relations, and overall supply chain implementation.
• Devise and execute strategies that enhance customer service, operational productivity, quality standards, cost efficiency, and process streamlining.
• Standardize operating procedures, establish performance KPIs, and enforce accountability across all sites.
• Refine transport networks, optimize distribution workflows, ensure inventory precision, and maintain smooth product movement.
• Guarantee strict maintenance of temperature-controlled conditions for fresh and perishable products.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and functional teams to support organizational growth and design long-range operational plans.
• Leverage SAP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Excel, and operational analytics to detect trends, solve bottlenecks, and inform strategic decisions.
• Develop, guide, and evaluate operations and logistics staff operating at multiple facilities.
• Ensure all operations comply with food safety regulations, customer requirements, quality standards, and industry regulations.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years progressive leadership experience in operations, logistics, distribution, or supply chain management.
• At least 5 years of specialized experience within the fresh produce sector or handling perishable goods with cold chain expertise.
• Proven track record managing operations across multiple distribution centers or comparable facilities.
• Strong understanding of transportation, warehousing, inventory control, food safety, and supply chain optimization methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency with SAP software, WMS, TMS, and Microsoft Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Fluent in both English and Spanish.
• Excellent executive communication skills, strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and team leadership aptitude.
• Willingness to travel to various distribution sites as required.
• Available to commence employment by August 31, 2026, at the latest.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of an MBA or other relevant postgraduate degree is advantageous.

Additional Information

This is a significant opportunity to direct a complex, multi-location operation with a substantial impact on the supply chain's overall effectiveness. We encourage well-qualified applicants to confidentially express interest. All applications and communications will be managed with strict confidentiality.