Dir Procurement and Supply Chain Operations

About Ventura Coastal

Ventura Coastal is the West Coast's #1 citrus B2B partner, delivering fully customized citrus products, juices, oils, essences, pulp, and peel, to some of the most recognized names in beverage plus niche marketers.

Led by an entrepreneurial owner and CEO with a bias for action and a whatever-it-takes mindset, we have driven transformational growth through bold investments in production and a sales team delivering consistent double-digit year-over-year new business growth.

Long-tenured employees, a customer base that keeps coming back because we deliver, and a culture built on results define who we are. Accelerating demand is fueling the next wave of growth over the next three to five years.

About the Opportunity

This is a head-of role with real ownership. You will architect the strategy, develop the team, and own the outcomes.

Reporting to a C-suite leader with heavy engagement from the owner/CEO, manufacturing leadership, the Director of Procurement and Supply Chain Operations will stand up and lead a newly consolidated function spanning procurement, inventory, logistics and transportation.

We are looking for a builder and a strategist. Someone energized by building structure where none exists, comfortable operating without a playbook while writing one in realtime, and at home in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment where your workdirectly shapes the company's next chapter. Is this you?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Architect and Build the Function:

• Design and stand up the organizational structure of a newly consolidated function, defining roles, reporting lines, and team accountabilities from the ground up
• Architect and own a procurement and supply chain strategy, translating business goals into an operational plan that drives growth, margin improvement, and scalability
• Establish policies, procedures, and best practices from the ground up, replacing ad hoc approaches with documented, scalable standards across all functions

Leadership:

• Serve as the head of procurement and all supply chain functions, lead managers and teams in a player-coach capacity to build capability and drive high performance
• Be a strategic partner to the owner/CEO and executive leadership team on company-wide planning, investment, and growth
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to integrate supply chain strategies into business priorities and ensure seamless execution
• Model a people-first culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, recognition, and workplace safety

Procurement:

• Lead procurement and strategic sourcing, drive performance transformation through process optimization, supplier segmentation, contract lifecycle management
• Own vendor development and all procurement contracts, developing company-side agreements across all non-fruit materials, supplies, equipment, and services
• Establish governance frameworks ensuring compliance, audit readiness, ethical sourcing, and supplier performance accountability
• Evaluate and modernize procurement systems and tools to improve efficiency and scalability

Inventory:

• Establish and maintain inventory standards, policies, item specifications, and the controls and cadences that drive accuracy
• Lead demand planning to align safety stock, reorder points, and inventory positioning with production schedules and customer service targets

Logistics:

• Oversee end-to-end inbound and outbound operations, including 3PL partnerships and co-manufacturer coordination
• Build and manage logistics providers relationships, holding accountable to performance standards in service, cost, and continuous improvement
• Align logistics capacity with demand planning and production schedules to meet buyer-specific fulfillment requirements

Transportation:

• Direct the mix of shipping methods and lead carrier contract and bidding cycles to balance service and cost across all lanes
• Manage carrier relationships and hold providers accountable to service, cost, and compliance metrics
• Drive savings through lane consolidation while maintaining DOT and food-safety cold chain compliance

Here’s What You’ll Bring:

Business & Operational Acumen

• Strong business and operational mindset with the ability to identify the key financial and service levers and translate them into actionable strategy with measurable outcomes
• Skilled negotiator with a track record of creating win-win outcomes and closing contracts aligned with business objectives

Leadership & Influence

• Hands-on leader and doer with a track record of leading high-performing teams, cultivating talent, and leading by example
• Skilled at aligning cross-functional leaders through influence, credibility, and clear communication
• Experience leading change, process and system improvements, and transformation initiatives

Procurement Experience

• 10 or more years of progressive procurement and sourcing experience, ideally ina mid-size or larger manufacturing or industrial organization
• Deep knowledge of procurement best practices, supplier management, contract development and a demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and manage supplier risk

Supply Chain Operations

• Working knowledge of supply chain operations including inventory management, logistics, transportation and demand planning principles
• Experience leading enterprise-wide project management initiatives, including technology implementations, facility changes, and cross-functional transformation efforts

Interpersonal and Communication

• Approachable, collaborative relationship builder who earns trust across all levels and communicates with clarity and confidence to diverse audiences
• Entrepreneurial spirit with an innovative, solutions-oriented mindset

Education & Tech Proficiency

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; MBA and/or CPSM certification a plus
• Strong ERP experience, advanced Excel proficiency, and comfort with procurement and supply chain systems

Additional Requirements

• Must reside within reasonable driving distance of Visalia, CA. (see note below.) Relocation support package included.
• Ability to do day travel between work locations in Central California.
• In-office daily presence required; we are a collaborative, in-person culture

What We'll Bring:

• Total compensation range of $170,000 to $210,000 base plus bonus. Final offer will reflect experience and qualifications.
• A builder role with real authority, standing up a best practices centralized procurement and supply chain function from the ground up
• A head-of role with high visibility and direct impact on company growth
• A good-for-you product that is a consumer staple, always in demand
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Health care and dependent care FSAs
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Casual office environment with a collaborative, mission-driven culture
• A leadership opportunity with profitable, growth-oriented company with frequent engagement with executive leadership

About Visalia, California

Visalia is an inland city of 140,000 residents that blends small-town warmth with the amenities of a regional hub. Situated as the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and at the heart of the nation's most productive agricultural region, it offers a lifestyle centered on outdoor adventure, family-friendly community, and a cost of living well below coastal California. Nearby city Fresno lies to the north.