28 December 2020
Produce Operations Manager

Job Description_ Produce Operations Manager_ Miami, FL
 
Summary:
 
Our client is seeking talented people to join their team! The ideal candidate is hard working, innovative and customer-focused. We seek college graduates or experienced candidates with a background in and a passion for delivering quality products with exceptional customer service, on a consistent basis, in a fast-paced produce operations environment.
While service to retailers, food services and wholesaler entities is the principal driver of the role, service to all customers is the main priority. A keen understanding of operations from farming, to logistics, sales and distribution in the food industry is a must. This role is designed to best meet the needs of customers and deliver quality products consistently in order to ensure continued business sustainability and growth.
 
Responsibilities & Duties: 
 
Operations

• Review repacking reports, and warehouse hourly reports to ensure productivity and cost control.
• Review materials On Hand inventory reports and stablish re-ordering points to prevent shortages.
• Support the quality control and assurance process in the testing and review of product specifications to ensure compliance on part of suppliers etc.
• Adherence with FDA and USDA requirements including product registrations and permitting
• Support process with C-TPAT, and PrimusGFS including audits as may be required, related training and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with US Customs regulation, including surely bond requirements
• Provide early identification of problem shipments. Communicate/resolve with stakeholders and coordinate/implement solutions.
• Liaison with Sales Account Managers, Warehouse, Accounting and Transportation providers, as needed, to resolve discrepancies.
• Work with Logistics and Sales Support team the Request/schedule /confirm delivery appointments, dispatching orders and confirming empty container returns.

Procurement

• Oversight of procurement process with growers / suppliers including purchase order status, grower advances payment and reporting and grower liquidation status.
• Oversight that purchase orders are fulfill during tight supply markets.
• Ensure that reporting to CHEP & IFCO is done on a regular basis to prevent charges

Sales

• Ensure that Operations is following FIFO, and that Sales Team rotates inventory on a timely manner.
• Ensure that New Vendor Packages are sent to clients on a timely manner
• Ensure that samples to new and/or existing customers are sent on the requested date.
• Assist Sales and Accounting departments to ensure that claims are closed on a timely manner.

Logistics

• Experience using and managing customer trading platforms throughout the life cycle of a customer order including PO fulfillment, OTC (On the Truck) configurations, and OTA (On Time Arrivals), OTD (On Time Delivery), LTL’s (Less than Truck Loads) needs and customer scorecard requirements, a plus.
• Negotiate inland freight rates with transportation providers (including truck brokers) targeting cost reduction, freight savings and service. 

Management

• Support Executive management in day-to-day transactions and operational requirements for efficient, effective and continued business growth.
• Work hand-in-hand with all Company departments (Sales, Transportation, Warehouse, Shipping/Logistics, Procurement, Marketing, Accounting and Human Resources) to achieve daily cross-functional objectives.
• Report to HR Consultant any situation that may appear with warehouse and office personnel
• Managing filing systems and suggest new ones.
• Maintaining and managing the budget of the Operation
• Oversee functionally of all office and warehouse services (i.e., IT, Internet, electricity)
• Maintain overall office environment organized and in place
• Review and correct personnel timecards and submit for management for approval, and payroll processing.
• Overseeing the recruitment of new staff, sometimes including training and induction.
• Ensure that vacation schedules, insurance policies are up to date.
• Collections, visits to the post office, and bank deposits when needed.

 Qualifications / Requirements: 

• College degree or equivalent experience in fresh produce and/or food operations
• Logistics experience in an import/export environment.
• Working knowledge and understanding of import concepts rules and regulations, including FDA and US Customs agencies.
• Working knowledge and understanding of vessel clearance and port procedures.
• Ability to read, interpret and analyze domestic and international shipping documents, contracts and procedures.
• Extensive telephone contact with carriers and other cross-functional groups.
• Understanding of mathematics and basic accounting principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to solve challenging operational issues and logistical problems
• Self-directed requiring minimal supervision
• Work with minimal direction. High level of initiative and proven team player.
• Proficient Microsoft Excel (V-Lookup, pivot tables etc)
• Bilingual – English and Spanish