Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces · 5 months ago
VP, Logistics and Customer Operations
Walnut Creek, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$230K/yr - $255K/yr
15+ years expKinder's is a fast-growing company dedicated to delivering exceptional flavor solutions to consumers. The Vice President of Logistics and Customer Operations will lead the optimization of logistics and customer order fulfillment processes, ensuring operational excellence and a best-in-class customer experience.
Food and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturingRestaurants
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive logistics strategy aligned with Kinder’s growth plans, customer expectations, and product portfolio complexity
Oversee transportation, distribution, 3PL partnerships, and warehouse operations, including cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive products
Manage international freight, customs clearance, and global trade compliance, including import/export documentation, tariff strategies, and regulatory alignment with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and CBP standards
Lead initiatives to improve cost-efficiency, on-time delivery, and logistics visibility across the network
Lead the Customer Operations team, including responsibility for order-to-cash processes, customer order entry, order fulfillment, inventory deployment, and inventory accuracy
Ensure seamless, accurate order processing with a focus on speed, service, and communication
Optimize inventory deployment strategies to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time to support customer demand
Drive alignment across Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to support accurate pricing, order confirmation, invoicing, credit resolution, and cash collection
Define and track customer service KPIs, including order accuracy, fill rates, case cuts, lead times, and complaint resolution
Champion a customer-first culture that strengthens partnerships with both internal stakeholders and external customers
Lead the development and execution of a proactive customer deductions strategy related to logistics and fulfillment issues (e.g., shortages, late deliveries, damages), in close coordination with Customer Service, Sales, and Finance
Analyze deduction trends and root causes to identify operational improvements, recovery opportunities, and customer-specific resolution strategies, while ensuring alignment with Kinder’s customer service standards and financial controls
Ensure full compliance with relevant domestic and international logistics, trade, food safety, and temperature-control regulations
Manage risk mitigation strategies related to cold chain integrity, carrier reliability, customs delays, and geopolitical shifts
Drive improvements in real-time temperature monitoring, traceability, and incident response for temperature-sensitive SKUs
Leverage supply chain and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Anaplan, WMS/TMS) to enhance visibility, reporting, and customer service responsiveness
Implement and improve automation, self-service tools, and data analytics to reduce errors and improve decision-making
Promote continuous improvement initiatives across both logistics and customer operations teams
Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams in both logistics and customer operations, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation
Coach and mentor leadership within each function, ensuring team alignment with Kinder’s values and universal competencies
Lead through change by modeling agility, communication, and solution-orientation in a rapidly evolving environment
Qualification
Required
15+ years of leadership experience in logistics, customer service, or supply chain operations, including experience in a CPG, food & beverage, or consumer goods company
Demonstrated success in order-to-cash process ownership, customer service excellence, and inventory deployment strategy
Experience with international logistics, import/export, customs compliance, and temperature-controlled distribution
Strong background in managing 3PLs, global freight forwarders, and cold chain partners
Expertise in supply chain systems, including ERP (SAP or equivalent), transportation management systems (TMS), and customer order platforms
Deep understanding of trade regulations, food safety standards, and customer delivery requirements
Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, high-growth environment, balancing execution with strategy
Excellent people leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Preferred
Experience implementing digital transformation initiatives across logistics or customer service functions
Background in data-driven service level reporting and automation for customer operations
Familiarity with retail and foodservice customer requirements, including EDI, ASN, and retailer scorecard management
Company
Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces
Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces produces sauces, seasoning, rub, and marinates.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jim H.
Co-CEO & Chief Brand Officer, Director
Joe Rainero
CEO
Company data provided by crunchbase