Director of Operations

Director of Operations – Fresh Produce & Cold Chain

Location: Miami, Florida

Compensation: $170,000–$200,000 annually

Target

Start Date:

No later than August 31, 2026

We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Director of Operations to lead end-to-end operations across multiple distribution centers throughout the United States.

Reporting directly to the President/General Manager, with a matrix reporting relationship to the Chief Operating Officer, this executive will oversee warehousing, transportation, cold chain management, inventory control, food safety, grower relations, and broader supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple U.S. distribution centers.
• Oversee warehousing, transportation, inventory, cold chain, food safety, grower relations, and supply chain execution.
• Develop and implement strategies that improve service, productivity, quality, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Establish consistent operating standards, performance metrics, and accountability across locations.
• Optimize transportation networks, distribution processes, inventory accuracy, and product flow.
• Maintain the integrity of temperature-controlled operations for fresh and highly perishable products.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to support growth and long-term operational planning.
• Use SAP, WMS, TMS, Excel, and operational data to identify trends, resolve constraints, and guide decision-making.
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable operations and logistics teams across multiple facilities.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, logistics, distribution, or supply chain management.
• A minimum of five years of experience in the fresh produce industry or with highly perishable products and cold chain operations.
• Demonstrated success leading operations across multiple distribution centers or facilities.
• Strong knowledge of transportation, warehousing, inventory management, food safety, and supply chain optimization.
• Proficiency with SAP, warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and advanced Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Strong executive communication, strategic planning, problem-solving, and team-development capabilities.
• Ability to travel to distribution centers and other operating locations as needed.
• Availability to begin employment no later than August 31, 2026.

Preferred Qualification

• Master of Business Administration or another relevant advanced degree.

This is an opportunity to lead a complex, multi-site operation and make a measurable impact across the organization’s entire supply chain. Qualified candidates are invited to apply or reach out directly for a confidential conversation. All applications and inquiries will be handled with discretion.