December 5, 2024
The Director of Cooling Operations is responsible for overseeing the cooling operations across multiple facilities, ensuring efficient, effective, and safe handling of produce. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and operational expertise to manage and optimize cooling processes. The Director will oversee plant managers at both the Castroville and Coachella locations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Oversee plant managers at both Castroville and Coachella facilities.
- Provide guidance, training, and development to plant managers and their teams.
- Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Operational Oversight
- Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance cooling efficiency and productivity.
- Monitor and manage cooling processes to ensure optimal temperature control and product quality.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless integration of cooling operations with harvesting and distribution activities.
Safety and Compliance
- Ensure all cooling operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Implement and enforce safety protocols to protect employees and maintain a safe working environment.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
Resource Management
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of cooling equipment and facilities.
- Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively to meet operational goals.
- Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality and safety.
Performance Monitoring
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of cooling operations.
- Analyze data and generate reports to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Conduct regular performance reviews with plant managers and their teams.
Innovation and Improvement
- Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in cooling technology.
- Implement innovative solutions to enhance cooling processes and reduce energy consumption.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Contract Review and Management
- Review and approve contracts related to cooler operations, including service agreements, lease arrangements, and equipment rentals, for all locations.
- Ensure contracts align with company policies, budgetary constraints, and operational goals.
- Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to negotiate terms and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Job Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Agriculture, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in cooling operations, preferably within the agriculture or food industry.
- Minimum of 3 years of managerial experience in operations, distribution, transportation, or a related field.
- Proven leadership experience managing multiple facilities and large teams.
- Ammonia Safety Certification (A.S.T.I.) or equivalent.
- Proficiency in using computers and software relevant to cooler operations, including MS Office and Famous software.
- Valid California Driver’s License (Class C) and insurability.
- Forklift License Certification.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and train staff.
- Strong collaborator with ability to interact with all levels of staff in the organization.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multitask in a high volume, multi-deadline environment.
- Must exercise a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion and decision-making.
- Travel between all locations as needed.