Director of Supply Chain

Company: Wawona Frozen Foods, Inc.
Location: Clovis
Posted on: May 2, 2025

Job Description:

WAWONA FROZEN FOODSABOUT THIS COMPANYFounded in 1963, Wawona Frozen Foods has established itself as a leader in the frozen fruit industry. We specialize in processing and packaging fresh fruit, offering a diverse range of products in various forms. Our headquarters are located in the productive growing region of California's San Joaquin Valley, with strong connections to the central valley and coastal growers. We take pride in producing America's favorite fruits, including frozen peaches, strawberries, pears, plums, and unique mixed fruit blends. Whether conventional or organic, Wawona's focus on quality and customization is unwavering. We work closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and preferences and ensure timely delivery. Our clientele spans various sectors, from retail to food service, schools, and more. We supply our fruit to leading jams, yogurts, ice creams, and pastries manufacturers. Rooted in our family heritage, we place a high premium on food safety and deliver fresh frozen fruit that captures the essence of natural taste and sweetness. At Wawona, our customers can always count on us for quality, innovation, and exceptional service tailored to their needs.ABOUT THIS ROLEAn experienced and strategic supply chain leader specializing in planning, sourcing, purchasing, logistics, and warehousing operations, with a proven track record in cold chain management. As Director of Supply Chain at Wawona Frozen Foods, this professional will be responsible for overseeing the procurement and inventory management of raw materials (including fruit commodities, food ingredients, and packaging), as well as the efficient delivery and storage of finished goods. A key member of the leadership team, they will collaborate with leadership to develop and execute strategies aimed at optimizing supply chain performance, maintaining proper inventory levels, reducing operational costs, and ensuring timely and efficient product movement. Their work consistently aligned supply chain processes with the company's long-term business goals, driving operational excellence across inbound and outbound logistics, internal and 3PL warehousing, and overall cold storage operations. This role will oversee warehouse, shipping, receiving, logistics, supply chain, demand planning, and sourcing. This position is a member of our leadership team.DUTIES INCLUDE

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, aligning supply chain strategies with broader company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to efficiently source and manage raw materials, food ingredients, and packaging.
• Negotiate favorable supplier and equipment contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and performance.
• Monitor environmental, market, and industry trends to mitigate risks and maintain a steady, cost-effective supply of raw materials.
• Align raw materials sourcing with production schedules to support manufacturing needs without excessive inventory levels.
• Ensure the cold chain integrity, food safety, and quality control of all materials and finished goods throughout the supply chain lifecycle.
• Optimize warehouse operations (receiving, thawing, storage, handling, inventory control, order fulfillment) to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Select, negotiate with, and manage cold storage and 3PL partners to optimize storage capacity, cost, and performance.
• Plan and oversee inbound, transfer, and outbound logistics operations to ensure timely and cost-effective transportation of goods.
• Develop and lead the company's Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to ensure accurate forecasting and supply planning.
• Drive initiatives to continuously improve supply chain costs, operational efficiency, and service levels.
• Track, report, and use supply chain metrics and KPIs to monitor performance and guide strategic improvements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices across all supply chain operations.
• Proactively identify and eliminate operational blockers while driving cross-functional collaboration to resolve unforeseen challenges quickly.REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field. A master's degree is preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in cold chain supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the supply chain, purchasing, and warehouse for a food manufacturing facility.
  • Proven experience in materials planning, sourcing, warehouse management, cold storage, and logistics.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and leading strategic initiatives.
  • In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, inventory control systems, and cold storage best practices.
  • Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., ERP, WMS, TMS, EDI) and data analytics tools (PowerBI).
  • Proven track record of reducing costs and optimizing supply chain processes.
  • Excellent planning, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
  • Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term goals and operational efficiency.LOCATION
    • This position will work out of our Alluvial location.BENEFITS
      • Member of Wawona Leadership Team
      • Employee Assistant Program
      • Paid Sick Leave
      • Wawona Wednesday's, End of Season Appreciation Events, T-shirts and Hats, Employee of the Month
      • You'll have the opportunity to work with great people and make a real impact - while being your unique, authentic self at workWHY SHOULD YOU APPLY
        • At Wawona Frozen Foods, we are passionately dedicated to collective growth. We invest significantly in our employees, equipping them with the training, resources, and tools they need to excel. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, we cultivate not just careers, but truly fulfilling and successful journeys. We take pride in celebrating our team, ensuring that every individual feels valued and has the opportunity to build a long-term career with us.
        • What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to building strong relationships. We consistently go above and beyond to deliver world-class service, empowering every team member to contribute to the ongoing evolution of Wawona Frozen Foods. Proud of our heritage, we aim to leave a remarkable legacy for future generations. Our work environment is designed to promote problem-solving, collaboration, and personal growth. Together, we strive for excellence because we genuinely care about the success and well-being of each team member.
        • Diversity is not just a value for us; it is the cornerstone of our strength, reflected in our wide-ranging product offerings. Our inclusive culture actively respects and champions all perspectives, ideas, and suggestions, creating a vibrant atmosphere for innovation.
        • The dynamic, fast-paced nature of our seasonal work energizes us, and we recognize that our success is built upon the dedication and hard work of our people. Their commitment is what drives our accomplishments.
        • We are resolutely committed to delivering the finest fruit products and being a trusted partner in our customers' success. By prioritizing the development of strong connections and understanding their needs, we ensure that we provide tailored, high-quality products. With a focus on nurturing customer relationships, we consistently meet and exceed expectations, delivering exceptional products that perfectly align with their requirements.PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
          • Work in an environment where there can be medium to loud noise and in cold temperatures, when visiting or working in operations.
          • Stand and walk, feel, reach with hands and arms. Occasionally requested to sit and talk or hear.
          • A fast-paced environment that requires high attention to details and minimal down time.
          • Occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as equipment, machinery, etc. Lifting requirement: Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. independently.
          • Other duties as assigned requiring repetitive tasks, use of computer equipment, scheduling, preparing reports, use of a computer, and other administrative tasks.
          • Ability to travel up to 20%.
          • Work flexible/varying schedules to support the team, customers, and deadlines.
          • Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and ability to see all colors.
          • Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adhere to dress code as outlined for working in a food manufacturing facility.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONApplicants must be fully authorized to work in the U.S. and physically be in the U.S.Wawona Frozen Foods is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected factor.NOTICE TO RECRUITERS, EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, AND/OR VENDORSPlease note that Wawona Frozen Foods does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or vendors. Without a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Wawona Frozen Foods will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without Wawona Frozen Foods' authorization, Wawona Frozen Foods is without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Wawona Frozen Foods. Verbal commitments from any Wawona Frozen Food employees will not be considered binding terms. This applies to all Wawona Frozen Foods locations and offices. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiters and vendors to know this policy.
            
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Keywords: Wawona Frozen Foods, Inc., Ceres , Director of Supply Chain, Executive , Clovis, California