About the Opportunity

The Director of Driscoll’s of the Americas (DOTA) Transportation and Customs Compliance will be responsible for leading the US and Mexico Transportation and Custom Compliance teams. This includes US, Mexico, and Canadian transportation oversight, including exports/imports and regulatory compliance for fruit and plant transport into and out of the US, Mexico, and Canada. P&L responsibilities, transportation logistics systems, freight and customs brokerage rate negotiation, performance metrics, and service agreements for DOTA Logistics are included. Provides the leadership necessary to lead and develop team members, effectively engage laterally within the company, strengthen vendor and departmental relationships, drive employee empowerment, instill company values, and develop all employees within the functional areas of responsibility. This role has multi-level engagement with internal Sales, Distribution, Procurement, Legal, Accounting, and Finance functions in the US and Mexico.

 

Responsibilities

•    Transportation Systems:  Manages and oversees contractual, service, and project engagement with transportation systems providers within DOTA. Implement new technologies with desired processes and standardize processes where appropriate. Work directly with the Transportation Managers in California and Mexico to specifically focus on areas of improvement, troubleshoot solutions, delegate responsibilities, and monitor the results of implementation. Manage and develop standard operating procedures and process improvement initiatives.
•    Transportation Contracts: Leads contract development and execution with our Legal Department for all applicable logistics service providers, including all transportation carriers.
•    Performance Standards, Reporting, and Improvement: This position leads the development and integration of performance standards (financial, operating, and cold chain). It also creates reporting and works internally with the team and service providers to achieve performance targets. The position also engages directly with Sales and Customers to optimize and strategically grow the Delivered Sales business.
•    Carrier Qualifying and Relationship Management: This position oversees the activities of the Transportation Managers to qualify new carriers and manage existing carrier relationships. This includes executing carrier RFPs and associated rate negotiations and carrier/route selections. 
•    Regulatory Expertise: Leads the work of the Customs Compliance and Foreign Trade Specialists to ensure knowledge, compliance, and high engagement levels with critical regulatory and governmental agencies.
•    Financial Acumen: Has P&L budget planning and execution responsibilities for over $100MM. Leads cross-functional efforts to ensure cost reporting accuracy. Reviews and approves invoices consistently under the Declaration of Authority program.   
•    Process: Assist in developing and supporting internal systems and business processes. 
•    Supervision: Will build, develop, and lead the DOTA Transportation and Customs Compliance teams. Supports and promotes safety. Responsible for continuously developing, training, and evaluating employees. 
•    Communication: Ensures effective collaboration and communication with all other departments for greater efficiencies and attainment of Driscoll’s strategic plan. Collaboratively works with Customers and is responsible to develop and maintain supplier relationships.
•    Professionalism: Nurtures, supports, and promotes the company mission statement and values. Follows company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s ethically and business-likely in all interactions with employees, government agencies, growers, customers, etc.  Ensures the confidentiality of all of Driscoll’s proprietary information. Performs other duties as instructed by the Supervisor.

   

Candidate Profile

•    A bachelor's degree with at least 12 years of logistic experience in the fresh produce or consumer-packaged goods industry (master’s degree preferred)
•    Familiar with key transportation concepts, practices, and procedures. Proven background with logistics/transportation systems, leading logistics network improvements through strong financial and operating performance metrics
•    Strong understanding of transportation and logistics regulatory compliance
•    Ability to bring an outside-in and innovative focus on programs to drive safety, service, cost, and quality
•    Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to do multiple tasks and solve problems with a sense of urgency
•    Aptitude to conduct interpersonal interactions, exchange information, persuade, problem solve, and work effectively