Director of Operations, West Region

Why RealCold?

Established in 2022, RealCold was founded to address the unmet needs of the food cold chain sector. By combining high-growth strategic locations, state-of-the-art facilities, and exhaustive offerings that include traditional storage programs and diverse value-added services (including DTC, the company has positioned itself as a collaborative and integrated provider for food retailers, producers, and distributors. This mission is reinforced through its highly bespoke solutioning and customer-centric approach. The RealCold platform operates a national, omni-channel network, inclusive of traditional storage offerings, as well as comprehensive direct-to-consumer programs, which can reach the majority of U.S. consumers within 1- or 2-day ground service.

Role Overview:

The Director of Operations, West Region is responsible for the facilities and team members located in the region. The Director of Operations, West Region focuses the regional team on a safety-conscious environment first, and then leads the team towards continuous improvement, teamwork, problem-solving, and industry standards in warehouse efficiency. The incumbent must interface well with other team members to create a positive work environment and healthy team culture. This position is salary, exempt.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of multiple facilities to ensure on time deliveries to customers without going over budget while maintaining a safe environment for all team members.
• Develop General Managers, supervisors, and their teams across multiple facilities to plan appropriately for succession planning, exiting low performers and development plans for high potential.
• Approve the annual budget for the region and coach the general managers at each facility to appropriately plan total headcount, facility targets and process improvement initiatives.
• Assign regional goals and direct general managers to cascade at the facility level to team members as appropriate.
• Partner with Human Resources in the areas of performance management, succession planning, increases, progressive discipline and on all terminations.
• Direct the facility team in all safety practices and partnering with safety to ensure that the facility is following all OSHA guidelines.
• Perform metric reporting, inventory analysis, supplier analysis, partner with manufacturers & complete a full analysis of all areas to identify potential issues & opportunities. Partner with other cross functional leaders to create a plan of action for any process improvements at each site level.
• Develop strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs across all areas of each facility within their regional area.
• Meet with customers to answer any questions they may have regarding pallet placements, cold storage warehouse or the e-commerce process in their regional area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements of the Position:

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, operations, transportation, business administration, transportation, or engineering and ten (10) years of operations management experience in supply chain or related field OR fifteen (15) years of operations management experience in supply chain or related field required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in a leadership role in a supply chain operation at a regional level.
• Ability to communicate across multiple levels in the organization and within the facility.
• Strong knowledge of e commerce, 3PL, warehouse automation, cold storage, and transportation
• Ability to meet competing demands, work in a team environment, build teams, provide training for direct reports, problem solve and create a project plan to meet the needs of a fast-growing warehouse.
• Strong budgeting across multiple functions with strong analytical and financial acumen
• Firm grasp of supply chain, inventory, distribution, business, and management principles
• Extensive knowledge of operations and production management experience required
• Certification through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in planning, staffing, budgeting, and organizing.
• Ability to interpret financial data as needed to set production goals.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills including the ability to interact with internal and external customers.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Ability to lead discussions, make presentations and deliver technical results to a non-technical audience.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Build & Lead Teams

Physical Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a cold storage facility with exposure to low to below zero temperatures. This job may involve occasional exposure to some disagreeable elements such as dust, noise, etc. May be subject to various noise levels, at times, can be loud. Environment may be fast paced at times.

Physical Requirements:

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it is intended to give an overview physical requirement for this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided under appropriate circumstances and in accordance with applicable law. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Continually: Sit, walk, speak, and hear
• Continually: Type, write, and read
• Occasionally: Stand, carry, lift push and reach up to 40lbs.

What We Offer You:

• Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Annual bonus eligibility
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Time Off

RealCold is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We believe in providing employment opportunities to all Team Members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.