Perishable Operations Manager Jobs in California

About HPL Apollo 

HPL Apollo is one of the top freight forwarders in the United States by volume, specializing exclusively in the transportation of perishable goods — produce, flowers, protein, dairy, and other temperature-sensitive cargo — via air, sea, and road. With branches in Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Honolulu, and an active presence across five countries in Latin America, we operate at the intersection of speed, precision, and cold-chain expertise. Our LAX branch is our flagship location and the nerve center of our U.S. operations. 

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a driven, detail-oriented Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our LAX branch. This is a high-impact, highly visible role within the organization — one that touches every aspect of our business, from freight forwarding coordination and carrier relationships to warehouse management and cold-chain compliance.  

You will be on the ground, solving problems in real time, leading a team across two distinct but interdependent functions: forwarding operations and warehouse/handling operations. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have a strong logistics backbone, and are ready to grow with a company on a defined upward trajectory, this is the role for you. 

Key Responsibilities 

Forwarding Operations 

• Drive operational efficiency through process improvements, system utilization (TMS/WMS), and team accountability. 

• Oversee the full lifecycle of shipments — booking, documentation, customs coordination, carrier communication, and delivery. 

• Monitor and resolve shipment exceptions, delays, and compliance issues in real time, prioritizing perishable cargo urgency at all times. 

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of all shipping documents, including AWBs, phytosanitary certificates, and customs entries. 

• Coordinate closely with clients on shipment status, proactive communication, and issue resolution, maintaining HPL Apollo's high service standard. 

Warehouse & Cold-Chain Operations 

• Oversee all warehouse activities at the LAX facility, including receiving, storage, overpacking, labeling, and outbound handling of perishable cargo. 

• Ensure strict compliance with cold-chain protocols — temperature monitoring, segregation, and handling standards — across all product categories (produce, flowers, protein, dairy). 

• Manage warehouse staffing, scheduling, and performance to meet the demands of a high-volume, time-sensitive operation. 

• Maintain facility compliance with USDA, FDA, CBP, and IATA regulations applicable to perishable cargo handling. 

• Coordinate closely with the forwarding team to align inbound and outbound cargo flows and minimize dwell time. 

• Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory of packing supplies, and vendor relationships for warehouse needs. 

People & Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations coordinators, warehouse supervisors, and handlers. 

• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and build a culture of accountability, urgency, and quality. 

• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, and performance management as the team scales. 

• Act as the operational escalation point for team members and clients alike during the business day. 

Reporting & Continuous Improvement 

• Own key operational KPIs: on-time performance, shipment accuracy, claims rate, warehouse throughput, and cost per unit. 

• Provide regular reporting to branch leadership and flag operational risks proactively. 

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce errors, and support the company's growth goals through 2030. 

Required 

• 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations. 

• Strong working knowledge of air freight operations (IATA regulations, AWB processing, airline relationships). 

• Proven experience managing or overseeing warehouse operations, including cold-storage environments. 

• Solid understanding of U.S. customs processes, import/export documentation, and regulatory compliance for perishable goods. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience — you have managed teams and know how to get the best out of people in a high-pressure environment. 

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously. 

• Strong communication skills in English; Spanish proficiency is a meaningful asset given our Latin American business. 

Preferred 

• Prior experience at a freight forwarder specifically handling perishable commodities (produce, flowers, protein). 

• Familiarity with LAX as operational hub and the carrier and regulatory landscape at the airport. 

• Experience with CargoWise or similar freight management systems. 

• IATA DG Awareness certification or equivalent perishables handling training (e.g., IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations). 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field — though equivalent experience will always take precedence. 

What Success Looks Like 

In the first 90 days, you will have learned the operation end-to-end, built strong relationships with the team and key carrier partners, and identified your top two or three operational improvement priorities. Within your first year, your branch will run with fewer exceptions, stronger team performance, and measurably better client satisfaction. You will be on a clear path to taking on broader leadership responsibility — and we will be investing in that trajectory together. 

What We Offer 

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonus. 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits. 

• A genuine growth path. 

• The opportunity to be a key leader in one of the most specialized and dynamic niches in global logistics. 

• A collaborative, high-performance culture where your work directly shapes the company's success. 

This job description is not an inclusive or exhaustive list of responsibilities and may be updated or revised at the Company’s discretion to meet operational needs. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment, which may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with federal and state laws.

HPL Apollo LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.