Director, Operations

The Director, Operations will oversee the operations of SeaCube’s new portable cold storage business unit. This includes driving operational excellence, process optimization, and ensuring the seamless delivery of cold storage solutions. The role will also involve managing the supplier and partner selection, equipment inventory, maintenance and repair, container upfitting, depot network management, transportation vendor relationships, and prioritizing customer satisfaction. The Director will work across various departments and external stakeholders to optimize the cold chain and ensure SeaCube meets customer expectations while adhering to industry compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier and Partner Selection & Onboarding

• Lead the selection, negotiation, and onboarding of suppliers, partners, and service providers critical to the cold storage operations, ensuring alignment with SeaCube’s strategic goals and operational requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners, including vendors providing containers, cold storage units, maintenance services, and transportation.
• Ensure suppliers and partners comply with SeaCube’s standards and regulatory requirements, conducting regular audits and reviews to maintain high operational standards.

Operational Strategy and Leadership

• Drive the operational strategy for the portable cold storage business, ensuring processes are scalable, efficient, and aligned with company objectives.
• Lead and manage operational teams responsible for the upfitting, maintenance, and repair of cold storage containers, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient use of resources.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for all aspects of the cold storage supply chain, from container upfitting to transportation and customer satisfaction, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Implement industry-leading practices for the maintenance, repair, and upfitting of cold storage units to meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.

Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement

• Optimize cold chain logistics processes to enhance efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the highest level of service quality.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to improve all aspects of operations, from container utilization to customer service.
• Use data and analytics to identify trends and performance gaps, making informed decisions to drive improvements across all operations.

Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Risk Management

• Oversee compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry standards, including GDP, GMP, FDA, and EU regulations, to ensure cold storage operations are aligned with legal and customer-specific standards.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance framework to ensure all equipment, processes, and services meet stringent quality and safety standards.
• Manage risk mitigation strategies, ensuring operational compliance and addressing potential disruptions in the supply chain.

Equipment Inventory Management, Maintenance & Repair

• Oversee the management of cold storage equipment inventory, ensuring the right quantity and condition of containers are available to meet customer demands.
• Lead the development and implementation of preventative maintenance schedules, managing the repair and upfitting of cold storage containers to maintain operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to manage the lifecycle of cold storage equipment, from procurement and upfitting to maintenance and retirement.

Depot Network and Transportation Vendor Management

• Develop and manage SeaCube’s depot network for cold storage container handling, ensuring effective distribution, repair, and maintenance capabilities across regions.
• Lead relationships with transportation vendors, optimizing transportation logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of containers to customers.
• Continuously assess and select transportation partners based on performance, cost efficiency, and alignment with SeaCube’s operational and service requirements.

Customer Satisfaction and Service Excellence

• Prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring timely, high-quality service in all aspects of cold storage logistics, from container availability to transportation and emergency repairs.
• Collaborate with customer service teams to address customer concerns, resolve issues, and implement solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Develop and maintain a customer-centric culture, ensuring that all operations are designed with the goal of enhancing the customer experience.

Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting

• Utilize operational data to monitor and improve all key aspects of the cold storage and logistics operations, ensuring optimal performance.
• Provide regular reports on KPIs, operational performance, and service quality to senior leadership, highlighting trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accurate tracking of operational metrics, including container usage, inventory levels, equipment downtime, and vendor performance.

Talent Development and Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Promote professional growth and continuous learning, ensuring team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to manage evolving operational challenges.
• Oversee the training of staff on new systems, processes, and compliance standards, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen) are highly preferred.

• Experience:
• 8+ years of experience in operations management, process optimization, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in cold chain logistics or temperature-sensitive supply chains.
• Proven experience managing equipment inventory, maintenance, and repair operations, including depot network and transportation vendor management.
• Strong background in supplier and partner selection, onboarding, compliance, and building long-term relationships with service providers.

• Skills:
• Expertise in cold chain logistics, including equipment upfitting, temperature monitoring, risk management, and compliance requirements (GDP, GMP, FDA).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-faceted operations and cross-functional teams, ensuring optimal service delivery.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, with experience in managing partnerships in logistics, transportation, and container leasing.
• Advanced project management and data analytics skills, with a focus on improving operational performance.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration across teams and with external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing cold chain logistics in the retail, pharmaceutical, food, or healthcare sectors.
• Familiarity with automation and digital solutions in logistics, as well as ERP systems and cold chain technologies.
• Previous experience in managing international supply chains and regulatory compliance across multiple regions.

Personal Attributes

• A strong leader with a customer-centric mindset, capable of driving operational excellence while fostering a culture of service.
• Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to solve complex problems and implement efficient, sustainable solutions.
• Adaptable and innovative, with the ability to navigate a fast-paced, dynamic business environment.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for operational improvements and creating a culture of continuous enhancement.

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel to operational sites, depots, and customer locations may be required.
• Flexibility in working hours may be necessary to address operational demands or project deadlines.

The Director of Operations will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and customer service success of SeaCube's portable cold storage business. This role demands leadership, industry expertise, and the ability to manage a complex, high-performance operation while ensuring the highest standards of service and compliance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or veteran status.