Director of Produce​/Floral Operations

Director of Produce/Floral Operations – Merchants Distributors, LLC

Apply to lead the Produce & Floral department, overseeing strategy, P&L, merchandising programs, supplier relations, procurement, and quality assurance across a multi‑warehouse wholesale grocery distribution network.

• Develop overall annual departmental strategy and direct category strategy to ensure organizational alignment and market fit.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to create proprietary brands, launch new products, and design marketing initiatives and vendor programs that enhance category visibility.
• Lead supplier relationship management, including selection, performance evaluation, and long‑term partnership development.
• Implement segmentation, joint business planning, and SRM strategies to maximize value from supplier relationships.
• Utilize Product, Price, Promotion, and Placement levers to design and manage categories that drive profitable growth and expand market share.
• Plan and coordinate Produce Merchandising Shows (physical and virtual) with support from Category Manager.
• Supervise “Special Spot Buys” and coordinate promotional events with vendors and Produce Merchandisers.
• Partner with Sales and retail customers to deepen engagement, expand distribution, and deliver exceptional service.
• Execute a market‑leading Local Produce program.

• Strategically manage supply and supplier spend, balancing efficiency, inventory deployment, seasonal transitions, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor market conditions to identify opportunities and manage fluctuations.
• Operate a quality assurance program through vetting, inspections, and benchmarking.
• Manage the Ripening Room program with focus on bananas.
• Own the Procure‑to‑Pay process for Produce & Floral.

• Coach and develop staff, deliver feedback, promote accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manage outcomes and implement corrective actions related to the employee engagement survey.
• Supervise Category Managers, Buyers, and Quality Control Inspectors.
• Ensure quality inputs convert to desired outcomes.
• Adopt technology, systems, and tools to enhance productivity.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent industry experience strongly considered.
• Proven success in produce roles such as Department Manager, Merchandiser, Buyer, or Perishable Manager.
• 5–7 years of experience in produce procurement, operations, merchandising, or category management.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence across all levels.

Director

Full‑time

• Management
• Manufacturing
• Supply Chain

• Wholesale
• Retail
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Pension plan
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance