Senior Transportation & Distribution Operations Manager – arenaflex Supply Chain Leadership for Perishable Produce

About arenaflex – Pioneering Fresh Produce Worldwide

arenaflex is a global leader in the cultivation, packaging, and distribution of premium berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. With a heritage that spans more than a century, arenaflex partners with independent growers across continents to bring the freshest, non‑GMO fruit from field to table. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation has made us the trusted brand for consumers who demand the very best. As we continue to expand our footprint in the United States and beyond, we are looking for a visionary senior leader to shape the future of our transportation and distribution network in California.

Position Overview

The Senior Transportation & Distribution Operations Manager will own the end‑to‑end logistics strategy for arenaflex’s California operations. This senior‑level role is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving a highly efficient, cost‑effective, and resilient supply chain that moves perishable produce from growers to distribution centers, retail partners, and ultimately to the consumer. The role blends strategic planning, hands‑on execution, cross‑functional leadership, and data‑driven continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Network Design: Lead the design and optimization of the California cold‑chain network, ensuring capacity for current volume and scalability for future growth.
• 3PL Management: Direct and oversee third‑party logistics providers, negotiating contracts, implementing performance‑based metrics, and driving service excellence.
• Operational Excellence: Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) initiatives across all transportation and distribution functions.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Procurement, Production, Quality, Finance, and Sales teams to align logistics plans with business objectives and seasonal demand forecasts.
• Performance Monitoring: Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on‑time delivery, order fill rate, cost per case, and carbon footprint.
• Budget & Capital Planning: Develop annual operating and capital expenditure budgets, justify investment in automation, refrigeration, and fleet upgrades.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all transportation activities comply with FDA, USDA, OSHA, and state regulations, as well as arenaflex’s internal food safety standards.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop a high‑performing team of transportation supervisors, warehouse managers, and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Customer & Grower Relations: Serve as the primary logistics liaison for key growers and retail partners, addressing concerns, providing performance updates, and building long‑term trust.
• Technology Enablement: Drive adoption of advanced transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse execution systems (WES), and IoT‑enabled cold‑chain monitoring tools.
• Crisis Management: Quickly identify and resolve disruptions—weather events, equipment failures, or supply shortages—while maintaining product integrity.
• Reporting & Communication: Present weekly and monthly performance dashboards to senior leadership and at farmer council meetings.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in warehousing, transportation, and logistics, preferably within the perishable food sector.
• Proven track record of managing large‑scale distribution networks and leading 3PL relationships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
• Valid California driver’s license and eligibility to operate company‑provided vehicles.
• Fluency in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s degree or MBA with a focus on logistics or operations.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Hands‑on experience with TMS platforms such as SAP TM, Oracle Transportation Management, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to lead digital transformation projects, including automation, robotics, and IoT sensor deployment.
• Experience working in a fast‑growing, high‑volume agricultural or food‑service environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and a history of delivering cost‑saving initiatives.
• Ability to travel throughout California (up to 30% of the time) and occasional national travel for supplier audits.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Vision: Anticipates market trends, capacity constraints, and technology shifts to keep arenaflex ahead of the competition.
• Leadership & People Development: Inspires teams, builds high‑performing cultures, and champions diversity and inclusion.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset: Prioritizes grower and retailer satisfaction while balancing cost efficiency.
• Problem‑Solving Acumen: Uses root‑cause analysis and creative thinking to resolve complex logistics challenges.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Leverages analytics, dashboards, and predictive modeling to drive continuous improvement.
• Change Management: Guides the organization through process redesigns, technology rollouts, and cultural shifts.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its leaders. In this role, you will have access to:

• Executive mentorship programs with senior supply chain leaders.
• Funding for industry certifications (e.g., APICS, CSCMP, Six Sigma).
• Cross‑functional rotation opportunities to broaden expertise in procurement, production, and sales.
• Participation in global supply chain conferences and innovation workshops.
• Leadership training focused on strategic thinking, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and purpose‑driven environment. Our employees are united by a shared passion for delivering fresh, healthy food to consumers worldwide. The culture emphasizes:

• Innovation: Encouraging bold ideas, experimentation, and the adoption of cutting‑edge technology.
• Sustainability: Commitment to reducing carbon emissions, waste, and water usage across the supply chain.
• Safety & Quality: Zero‑tolerance for food safety breaches and a relentless focus on employee well‑being.
• Community Engagement: Partnerships with local growers, educational outreach, and volunteer initiatives.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, remote work options for office‑based tasks, and generous paid time off.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects the seniority of this role and the impact it will have on the business. While exact figures are tailored to experience and market conditions, the package typically includes:

• Base salary ranging from $85,000 to $110,000 annually.
• Performance‑based annual bonus tied to KPI achievement.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and eligible dependents.
• Life and disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match and profit‑sharing contributions.
• Paid parental leave, paid holidays, and generous vacation accrual.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) and wellness resources.
• Company‑provided vehicle or mileage reimbursement for business travel.
• Opportunities for equity participation in arenaflex’s long‑term growth.

Why Join arenaflex?

If you are a results‑oriented logistics leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑growing environment, this is your chance to shape the future of a market‑defining brand. You will work at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and consumer demand, driving innovations that keep perishable products fresh, safe, and on time. Your impact will be felt not only in the bottom line but also in the smiles of families enjoying fresh berries at their breakfast tables.

Application Process

Ready to lead arenaflex’s California transportation network into its next era of excellence? Submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and vision for a sustainable, high‑performance supply chain. Our talent acquisition team will review applications on a rolling basis and reach out to qualified candidates for an initial conversation.

Apply Now – Join arenaflex Today!