Distribution Manager (West)

Farmer's Fridge Careers•Vernon, CA

29d•Onsite

About The Position

Farmer’s Fridge is seeking a Distribution Manager to lead driver and fulfillment operations across their California markets. This role is responsible for building the operational structure, accountability, and consistency needed to support a growing distribution network. Based in Vernon, California, the Distribution Manager will oversee both salaried and hourly team members, focusing on hiring, performance management, coaching, and employee development while fostering a strong culture of execution, safety, and ownership. The role involves overseeing cross-dock operations, fleet performance, and fulfillment execution, while driving process improvements to enhance SLAs, operational metrics, and overall team performance. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires the ability to review and audit metrics for improvement opportunities and to step directly into field operations when necessary, such as covering routes or supporting fulfillment workflows. The role requires travel within California markets, including Los Angeles and San Diego.

Requirements

3–5 years of management experience in a distribution, warehouse, logistics, or operations environment.
Experience managing and developing both hourly and salaried team members in a fast-paced operational setting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, drive accountability, and navigate difficult conversations effectively.
Comfortable working in a highly operational, hands-on environment, including time in refrigerated coolers (~38°F), with the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing business needs.
Data-driven mindset with the ability to review metrics, identify operational gaps, and implement process improvements.
Experience working cross-functionally across operations, logistics, fulfillment, or field teams.
Proficient with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office, along with operational tools such as Slack, Zendesk, Salesforce, Asana, UKG, and NextMove.
Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel between Los Angeles and San Diego as needed.
Ability to obtain and maintain airport signatory and restricted badging access.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day driver, fulfillment, and cross-dock operations across California markets, including oversight of salaried supervisors, hourly drivers, vehicles, daily and weekly scheduling, and end-of-day reporting.
Own the full people-management cycle for the distribution team, from phone screen to offer, onboarding, coaching, performance management, corrective action, and terminations, while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and ownership.
Lead weekly metric reviews to identify gaps, improve SLAs, and make data-driven decisions related to operational efficiency, capacity, and on-time, in-full delivery.
Oversee van maintenance and repairs with third-party vendors, and maintain and develop cross-dock processes in alignment with Farmer’s Fridge policies.
Develop and iterate on delivery processes, SOPs, training programs, and quarterly bonus requirements, gathering employee feedback to prioritize the most impactful changes.
Partner cross-functionally with Distribution, Logistics, Sales, Production, Data, and Tech teams to solve issues seen in the field, align on metrics, and share best practices across markets.
Support new market launches by hiring and training new team members and leaders, identifying cross-dock and process flow, and ensuring all first stocking dates are met.
Maintain compliance with state, county, and city regulations related to Farmer’s Fridge assets, including owning the Department of Health inspection process and managing fire safety and zoning requirements.
Manage airport signatory and driver badging, including tracking badges for all drivers, keeping badging information up to date in Salesforce, and partnering with Sales Ops to service new and re-opening Fridges.
Step directly into the operation when needed, including covering routes, supporting fulfillment workflows, cross-dock operations, or other critical operational priorities.