Vice President of Logistics

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

39d • $266,000 - $300,000

About The Position

The Vice President of Logistics leads and optimizes Driscoll’s logistics operations and is responsible for overseeing distribution and transportations services to ensure we continually deliver on freshness, service reliability and operational excellence. This position manages Driscoll’s distribution network, comprising of over 70 facilities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico (Driscoll’s of the Americas) and is responsible for planning and coordinating transportation carriers. This executive will be tasked with developing and executing a forward-looking strategy that advances automation initiatives, enabling Driscoll’s supply chain to scale with the demands of a growing global market while preserving the quality and integrity that define our brand. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, hands-on leader with extensive experience managing complex, multi-site distribution networks, a proven track record of delivering automation at scale, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, perishable goods environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Agribusiness, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale distribution or supply chain operations, preferably in perishable or consumer goods
• Hands-on experience implementing automation technologies such as conveyor systems, robotic picking, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
• Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) - ideally platforms like Blue Yonder, Manhattan, SAP, Oracle, or similar
• Deep knowledge of cold chain logistics, including temperature monitoring, cold storage handling, and transportation of perishable goods
• Experience managing multi-site distribution networks, including company-owned, Independent Grower owned and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities
• Strong leadership, change management, and communication skills; ability to influence across all levels of the organization
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations across North America (e.g., FSMA in the U.S., CFIA in Canada, and SENASICA in Mexico)
• Understanding of HAACP protocols, quality assurance practices, and audit processes

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred, given cross-border operations
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, engage, and develop talent
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability
• Strong organizational and project management skills to coordinate and drive projects to successful completion
• Demonstrated success on a global basis, working across cultures and time-zones
• California driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions
• Embraces and lives the Driscoll’s values: passion, humility, trustworthiness

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and deployment of automation and advanced technologies (e.g., robotics, WMS optimization, conveyor systems) across the network
• Partner with IS, and third-party providers to scale automation projects that reduce labor dependency and increase operational throughput
• Build a roadmap for future-state automated distribution capabilities that support Driscoll’s long-term growth
• Lead end-to-end operations across 70+ distribution centers in North America, ensuring product quality, timeliness, and cost-efficiency
• Standardize operations and drive performance through KPIs for safety, quality, throughput, labor, and inventory accuracy
• Develop and execute a long-term distribution strategy aligned with Driscoll’s growth, sustainability, and automation goals
• Partner closely with production, commercial and supply chain to ensure a tightly integrated distribution model
• Serve as a key voice in Driscoll’s supply chain leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and investment decisions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of regional and functional leaders across North America
• Build a high-performance, safety-focused, and continuous improvement culture within the distribution network
• Promote workforce engagement and accountability throughout all levels of distribution
• Develop and manage outbound transportation and warehousing budgets (Driscoll’s owned, 3PL and Grower owned), capital investments, and vendor relationships
• Ensure consistent service level standards across all facilities with a focus on scalability and efficiency
• Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials
• Transportation Management: Manage and optimize transportation operations to meet delivery timelines and minimize transportation costs. Evaluate carrier performance and negotiate contracts to ensure reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions
• Represents Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like professional manner in all interactions with growers, co-workers, suppliers, customers and the business community at large
• Domestic and international travel required up to 40%

Benefits

• Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week.
• Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• More detailed information regarding the benefits package will be shared during the application process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees