The Whole Foods Market GPP Logistics Team Leader will lead a dynamic team of logistics specialists that work in Watsonville, CA and across the country. The position reports directly to the Produce/Floral Procurement TL with a dotted line report to GPP Facility Leadership.
The GPP Logistics Team handles the inbound freight needs of perishables products for all of our US distribution centers and seafood facilities, along with a variety of other freight needs for the GPP. This person will help create efficiencies within our current model, as well as lead the development of new logistics disciplines for GPP and WFM. The successful candidate is a hands-on leader with excellent teaching and communication skills who is dedicated to the principles and core values of Whole Foods Market, and to providing our customers with the highest quality perishable products in the industry.
- Help unite all teams within the Whole Foods Global Perishables Purchasing (GPP) with a common vision to serve Whole Foods Market’s needs
- Lead by example. Consistently demonstrate the highest quality customer service to Whole Foods Market’s regions and customers
- Communicate, represent and uphold Whole Foods Market’s, core values and business philosophy to Team members and vendors
- Provide guidance and strategic insight into the decisions being made by GPP teams.
- Drive morale improvements, general TM performance, job dialogs, corrective counseling and separations as needed
- Lead the hiring process of new Logistics Team Members as needed
- Ensure that Team Members are trained in safe work practices and procedures, and that all training is documented
- Exemplify ideal Team Leader and Team Member behavior and performance
- Ensure Product team and key regional operatives are engaged in a regular dialog around transportation management issues; communicate potential logistical challenges to regional operatives before they become issues
- Author Transportation Service Agreements
- Expand GPP’s Transportation Abilities
- Assist in development of P3 System, ensure system is being utilized to fullest potential
- Participate in GPP LN meetings
- Participate in developing the GPP buying office into a state of the art service operation that creates the best produce program possible at WFM
- Perform truck forecasting tasks, particularly for holiday seasons
- Build & Dispatch trucks out of the P3
- Manage transportation vendors
- Document and code late trucks
- Assist in establishing the improved cooperation between all GPP teams
- Provide guidance to regional receivers and order management team to assist them in their tasks
- Improve LTL management
- Communicate truck planning issues, interpret weekly reports, and resolve conflicts
- Acknowledge and praise outstanding performance
- Ensure accurate completion and timely submission of all personnel paperwork
- Four years experience in the perishables business or equivalent academic training, including logistics in a high volume environment.
- A passion for fresh product, and an ability to articulate and impart this passion onto the team
- Leadership experience involving reporting relationships of five or more team members.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to learn and teach.
- Flexible schedule - willing to work early mornings & take occasional late night calls -some weekends
- Outstanding quality standards including expertise of perishables terminology and thorough understanding of industry standards
- Patience, Perseverance and Tolerance
- Commitment to constantly provide a balanced service to both our customers and the supplier/ grower community- represent Whole Foods Market with honor and integrity
- A great sense of humor
- Commitment to the principles and core values of Whole Foods Market, with a focus on Team Member Happiness and Excellence
